The Minister of the Department of Home Affairs (“DHAˮ) has extended the validity of the exemptions granted to all Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (“ZEPˮ) Holders in terms of Section 31(2)(b) of the Immigration Act until 28 May 2027.
Due to the need for additional engagement amongst stakeholders around a long-term solution for holders of ZEP permits, the DHA has granted a further 18-month extension of expired ZEPʼs until 28 May 2027.
NEXT STEPS: Likely new general elections before the end of the year; outcome will shape future
asylum and labour migration policy
NEXT STEPS: Likely new general elections before the end of the year; outcome will shape future
asylum and labour migration policy
NEXT STEPS: Likely new general elections before the end of the year; outcome will shape future
asylum and labour migration policy
On August 6, 2025 the German Federal Cabinet approved a new bill targeting undeclared work and illegal employment. The Financial Control of Undeclared Work (FKS) will have significantly broader powers and will introduce advanced risk analysis systems to identify non-compliance.
All expired ZEP holders, irrespective of any pending visa process, will benefit from this blanket extension of their immigration status in South Africa. Accordingly, all impacted individuals may continue their authorised activities and cross South African borders without risk of being declared
undesirable until 28 May 2027
The Minister of the Department of Home Affairs (“DHAˮ) has extended the validity of the exemptions granted to all Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (“ZEPˮ) Holders in terms of Section 31(2)(b) of the Immigration Act until 28 May 2027.
Due to the need for additional engagement amongst stakeholders around a long-term solution for holders of ZEP permits, the DHA has granted a further 18-month extension of expired ZEPʼs until 28 May 2027.
The Minister of the Department of Home Affairs (“DHAˮ) has extended the validity of the exemptions granted to all Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (“ZEPˮ) Holders in terms of Section 31(2)(b) of the Immigration Act until 28 May 2027.
Due to the need for additional engagement amongst stakeholders around a long-term solution for holders of ZEP permits, the DHA has granted a further 18-month extension of expired ZEPʼs until 28 May 2027.
All expired ZEP holders, irrespective of any pending visa process, will benefit from this blanket extension of their immigration status in South Africa. Accordingly, all impacted individuals may continue their authorised activities and cross South African borders without risk of being declared
undesirable until 28 May 2027
All Zimbabwean employees holding expired ZEPʼs are legally authorised to continue working until 28 May 2027, unless they are issued with an alternative visa with a different validity prior to such date.
Furthermore, all Zimbabwean employees holding expired ZEPʼs, may travel in and out of South
Africa, until 28 May 2027, without being declared undesirable.
Furthermore, all Zimbabwean employees holding expired ZEPʼs, may travel in and out of South
Africa, until 28 May 2027, without being declared undesirable.
All Zimbabwean employees holding expired ZEPʼs are legally authorised to continue working until 28 May 2027, unless they are issued with an alternative visa with a different validity prior to such date.
Furthermore, all Zimbabwean employees holding expired ZEPʼs, may travel in and out of South Africa, until 28 May 2027, without being declared undesirable.
Furthermore, all Zimbabwean employees holding expired ZEPʼs, may travel in and out of South Africa, until 28 May 2027, without being declared undesirable.