South Africa has announced the extension of Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEP) until November 2025, providing much-needed relief to thousands of Zimbabwean nationals legally living and working in the country under this program.
The announcement, made by South Africa’s Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber, was published in the government gazette on Friday.
The ZEP, initially introduced in 2014 as a temporary measure, was designed to assist Zimbabweans who fled their home country due to economic hardship and political instability.
Over the years, the permits have been the subject of intense debate, particularly as previous expiration deadlines approached, raising uncertainty for many of its holders.
Initially, the deadline for ZEP holders to apply for an alternative one-year permit was set for this Friday.
However, a recent ruling by the Gauteng High Court mandated Schreiber to consult ZEP holders and other stakeholders before making a final decision on the program’s future.
This court order led to the government’s decision to extend the permits.
“I have taken this step to fulfill the responsibility placed upon me by the Gauteng High Court,” Schreiber stated in the gazette.
This extension allows ZEP holders to remain in South Africa while discussions about the program’s long-term future continue.
It offers temporary stability for many families and workers who rely on these permits, even as broader debates about immigration policy in South Africa persist.
The ZEP program has played a crucial role in supporting Zimbabweans during a time of crisis, but its future remains uncertain, with calls for clearer frameworks and resolutions gaining momentum.
For now, this extension offers a reprieve for those whose lives depend on the permit’s validity.
