The Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) granted to Zimbabweans living and working in South Africa has been extended through the end of this year.
Aaron Motsoaledi, the country’s Home Affairs Minister, approved the extension on 29 December. But the South African government announced the development in a statement this weekend.
In late November, the South African government announced it would not be renewing the special permits after they were set to expire on 31 December 2021.
South Africa’s cabinet announced Thursday that the grace period had been granted.
The statement read: “During this period the holders of this permit should apply for other permits appropriate to their particular status or situation.
“This decision was motivated by our desire to ensure eligible Zimbabweans can regularise their stay in SA.
“We appeal to the holders of this permit to use the 12 months to regularise their status in SA.”
As a result, the nearly 180, 000 Zimbabweans who hold the permit have been granted an extra 12 months (until December 31, 2022) to obtain other visas to remain in South Africa legally.