Reprieve for Zimbabwean Exemption Permit holders

JOHANNESBURG - Zimbabweans living in South Africa have been handed a lifeline with the Department of Home Affairs extending their temporary protection status to next year. 

In a government gazette published on Friday, Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber extended the validity of the Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEPs) to November 2025. 

ZEP holders initially had until today to apply for a one-year extension or face the possibility of being deported. 

READ: Good news for Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) holders!

An estimated 178,000 ZEP holders are living in SA.

The permit holders have free movement in SA and are entitled to work, seek employment, and conduct business. 

These were first granted to Zimbabweans in 2010 and have been renewed five times since. 

Schreiber said the decision to extend the validity of ZEP is a result of adhering to a court order. 

In June this year, the Constitutional Court nullified the decision by previous Home Affairs minister, Aaron Motsoaledi to terminate the ZEPs and refuse further extensions.