The Department of Home Affairs confirmed that ZEP holders remain restricted to their permits, which are valid until 29 May 2027.
- The Department of Home Affairs confirmed that ZEP holders remain restricted to their permits, which are valid until 29 May 2027.
- Permit holders may not directly apply for permanent residency.
- The department is conducting consultations on the future of ZEP and Lesotho Exemption Permits (LEP).
The Department of Home Affairs has clarified that Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) holders are not eligible to directly apply for permanent residency in South Africa.
This follows confusion sparked by media reports on comments made by Deputy Minister Njabulo Nzuza during a recent television interview.
Reports suggested that Nzuza had confirmed ZEP holders could now apply for permanent residency in South Africa if they wished.
According to Home Affairs spokesperson and Deputy Director-General for Operations, Thulani Mavuso, this was a misunderstanding.
Mavuso explained that Nzuza’s interview, which discussed the revised White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration, and Refugee Protection, had caused some confusion.
“The department wishes to state categorically that there has been no change in policy regarding the status of ZEP holders,” said Mavuso.
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“Current permits will remain valid until 29 May 2027, as per the extension granted by the minister in June 2025. In line with the conditions of their permits, ZEP holders do not qualify for permanent residency permits.”
He cautioned against the spread of misinformation, which could cause unnecessary anxiety among citizens, permit holders, and other stakeholders.
Mavuso added that the department is currently engaged in a rigorous public consultation process regarding the future of both the ZEP and the Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP).
This process, he emphasised, is essential to ensure that any final decision is fair, transparent, and legally sound.
“Consultation with government stakeholders was concluded yesterday in Tshwane,” he said.
“These consultations will result in a comprehensive policy position on ZEP and LEP permits.”
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He further stated that a detailed report with clear recommendations would be presented to Cabinet by the end of the 2026/27 financial year.
In November 2021, the department announced its decision to terminate the ZEP programme but was taken to court by the Helen Suzman Foundation (HSF).
The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria ordered the minister to meaningfully consult with the 178 000 affected permit holders, a decision that then-Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi unsuccessfully attempted to challenge all the way to the Constitutional Court.
Mavuso reiterated the department’s commitment to complying with the court order.
He said:
The Department of Home Affairs remains committed to finding a sustainable and fair solution to this long-standing matter relating to permit holders.
Shirley Khunou, immigration consultant at Xpatweb, said direct conversion to permit residency for ZEP holders was not an option, even though they may have held this permit for years.
“Instead, ZEP holders must first transition into a qualifying mainstream visa category before becoming eligible to apply for permanent residence under South Africa’s standard immigration framework. These categories typically include Critical Skills Work Visas, General Work Visas, Business Visas or Relative’s Visa to name a few.”
Khunou said this was not a direct or simplified process for most ZEP holders.
She said Nzuza had mentioned that ZEP holders should follow other visa pathways and, once approved, could then proceed to apply for permanent residency, reiterating that there was no automatic or category-wide approval process.
“Once a qualifying visa is obtained and where applicable, maintained for the required period, applicants may then proceed to apply for permanent residence, provided they meet all statutory requirements, including lawful continuous residence and financial and professional stability as may be required.”
