ZIMBABWEAN EXEMPTION PERMIT
The exemption permit was first introduced in 2014 to legalise the stay of Zimbabwean nationals in South Africa allowing them to legally stay, work, study and conduct own business in the Republic.
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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEEN ZSP AND ZEP?
The Zimbabwean Special Dispensation Permit (“ZSP”) was first introduced in 2014 to legalise the stay of Zimbabwean nationals in South Africa allowing them to legally stay, work, study and conduct own business in the Republic.
The Zimbabwean Exemption permit (“ZEP”) was later introduced and is only applicable to applicants who were on the (“ZSP”) and whose permits expired at the end of December 2017.
ZSP SPECIFICATIONS
- “ZSP” permit holders who wished to remain in South Africa were allowed to apply for the then newly introduced (“ZEP”). The ZEP was only issued to those Zimbabweans who held a valid ZSP permit at the time.
- No first-time applicants were permitted.
- The ZEP is valid for four years and will expire in December 2021.
- Zimbabwean nationals whose passports expired prior to December 2021 may have only received their new ZEP up until the date of expiry of their passport.
- The permit holder may closer to date of expiry of their passport, renew their passport and apply for their ZEP to also be extended up to December 2021.
- Applicants who are on ZEP permits who wish to change to main stream visas such as work visa to allow them to progress to Permanent Residence, may on assessment and confirmation of eligibility apply for this via at VFS office in Zimbabwe.
- ZEP is currently not renewable if it has already been issued for 4 years.
- Please Note that no ZEP holder qualifies to apply for Permanent Residence as per the condition endorsed on the permit and as note above, may not change status or condition in South Africa.