Home Affairs Minister extends Zimbabwe exemption permit, providing relief to 180,000 holders in South Africa

Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber has extended the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) until May 28, 2027, offering significant relief to approximately 180,000 Zimbabwean nationals residing in South Africa. The extension, formalized through the Minister’s Immigration Directive No. 21 of 2025, ensures continued legal protections for ZEP holders amid ongoing consultations about the programme’s future. The directive, which was reviewed by IOL, underscores the government’s commitment to a lawful immigration process following years of legal battles and policy shifts.

The ZEP programme was initially launched in 2017 to regularize the status of Zimbabweans previously under the Zimbabwean Dispensation Permit, allowing them to live, work, and study in South Africa without immediate deportation threats. However, in December 2021, the Department of Home Affairs announced its discontinuation, setting a deadline of December 31, 2022, for holders to transition to alternative visa categories. This move sparked widespread concern among the affected community, many of whom had integrated into South African society over extended periods.

The 2021 termination faced immediate legal scrutiny, culminating in a 2023 ruling by the Johannesburg High Court that declared the decision unlawful. The court mandated the government to revisit the matter through a fair and transparent process, criticizing the lack of adequate consultation with stakeholders. This judicial intervention halted abrupt deportations and paved the way for the current extension, which Minister Schreiber described as a step toward compliance with the court’s directives.

Under the extended ZEP, holders are shielded from deportation, meaning they cannot be arrested, detained, or removed solely for lacking a valid exemption certificate. The directive also permits flexible entry and exit from South Africa, provided other immigration requirements are met, and streamlines applications for other visas or temporary permits without mandating a current ZEP document. These measures aim to provide stability while affected individuals explore long-term options, such as mainstream visas or voluntary departure.

The government has pledged to reactivate the Immigration Advisory Board to oversee consultations with ZEP holders and relevant stakeholders, ensuring a balanced approach to the programme’s sustainability. Officials highlighted that the extension buys critical time for regularization efforts, emphasizing South Africa’s dedication to humane and rule-based immigration policies. ZEP holders are advised to contact the Department of Home Affairs for personalized guidance on next steps, as further updates are expected during the consultation period.

FAQs on South Africa’s Zimbabwean nationals exemption

What is the duration of the ZEP extension announced by Minister Schreiber?

The Zimbabwe Exemption Permit has been extended until May 28, 2027, as per Immigration Directive No. 21 of 2025.

How many Zimbabwean nationals are affected by the ZEP extension?

Approximately 180,000 ZEP holders living in South Africa will benefit from the extension.

Why was the original ZEP discontinuation ruled unlawful?

The Johannesburg High Court in 2023 found the 2021 termination unlawful due to insufficient consultation and process, ordering a fair review.

What protections does the extended ZEP provide to holders?

It prevents deportation, arrest, or detention for lacking a valid certificate; allows flexible entry/exit; and simplifies applications for other visas without needing a current ZEP document.

What future steps has the government outlined for the ZEP programme?

Consultations with ZEP holders and stakeholders will continue via the reactivated Immigration Advisory Board to determine the programme’s long-term viability.