South Africa’s Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber has announced an extension of the Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEP) until November 2025.
The decision, published in a government gazette on Friday, comes as a relief to many Zimbabwean nationals who have been legally working in South Africa under this programme.
The ZEP was introduced in 2014 as a temporary measure to allow Zimbabweans who fled their country due to economic turmoil and political instability to work and live legally in South Africa.
Initially aimed at providing a safe haven for those who qualified, the permit has been a subject of controversy and debate over the years, especially as the expiration date approached.
Previously, the deadline for ZEP holders to apply for a new one-year permit was set for Friday.
However, following a ruling by the Gauteng High Court, which mandated that Schreiber consult with affected ZEP holders and other stakeholders regarding the future of the permits, the government has opted to extend the validity of the ZEP.
In the gazette, Schreiber said, “[I have done this] in order for me to fulfil the duty placed on me by the Gauteng High Court.”
The extension allows ZEP holders to continue their residency and work in South Africa while discussions around the future of the permits and their holders take place.
JN/APA