South Africa says ZEP holders do not qualify for automatic permanent residence. The ZEP and LEP permit programmes have been extended until May 29, 2027. Government consultations are underway, with a final policy expected by the end of 2026/27.
South African Department of Home Affairs has clarified that holders of the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit do not qualify for permanent residence, following confusion caused by recent public remarks during a television interview.
The clarification followed comments made by Deputy Minister Njabulo Nzuza during discussions on the revised White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection. Some media reports interpreted the remarks to mean ZEP holders had been granted a pathway to permanent residence.
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In a statement, department spokesperson Thulani Mavuso said there had been no policy change regarding the immigration status of ZEP holders. He stated that the permit conditions remain in place and holders are still not eligible for automatic permanent residency.
“Consistent with the conditions of their permits, the holders of ZEP do not qualify for permanent residence permits,” the department said in its statement. Officials said the clarification was necessary to prevent uncertainty among affected permit holders.
The department confirmed that both the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit and the Lesotho Exemption Permit have been extended until May 29, 2027. The extension offers temporary relief to thousands of permit holders while consultations continue on a long-term solution.
According to Home Affairs, it is currently undertaking a public consultation process on the future of both permit programmes. Authorities said the review is intended to develop a fair, transparent and legally sound framework for managing the permits going forward.
The department said a final policy position and recommendations will be submitted to Cabinet by the end of the 2026/27 financial year. Officials added that consultations with government stakeholders had already taken place in Tshwane.
Mavuso urged the public and media to avoid spreading misinformation on the issue. He warned that inaccurate reports could create unnecessary anxiety for permit holders, employers and families affected by the permit system.
“The Department of Home Affairs remains committed to finding a sustainable and fair solution to this long-standing matter,” Mavuso said. He added that the department would continue engaging stakeholders before reaching a final decision.
The ZEP programme was introduced to allow qualifying Zimbabwean nationals to live and work legally in South Africa under a special dispensation. It has been under policy review for several years as government considers broader immigration reforms and future residency pathways.
Previous government statements have encouraged ZEP holders to explore mainstream visa routes or other legal immigration channels where they qualify individually. However, authorities stressed that there is no blanket conversion of ZEP permits into permanent residence.
The latest clarification is expected to bring certainty to employers, permit holders and immigration stakeholders as South Africa continues reviewing the future of exemption permits.
