On 25 November 2021, the Cabinet has announced that no further concession will be allowed and as such ZEP holders will no longer be able to extend their permits in terms of this special dispensation. The Department of Home Affairs have granted a 12-month grace period from the current ZEP expiry to allow permit holders to apply for a visa in a different category to allow them to legally reside in the country.
In an announcement made on 2 September 2022, the Minister of the Department of Home Affairs Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, announced a last chance for a further 6-month grace period until 30 June 2023 to allow ZEP holders to regularize their status by applying for a mainstream visa category. They have warned that it will not be extended again. Details of this announcement was shared in various media sources.