South Africa has extended the validity of the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) until May 28, 2027, as announced by Home Affairs Minister Leon Amos Schreiber in a public notice. The ZEP was introduced to manage the influx of Zimbabwean migrants prior to 2009 and has undergone several extensions to prevent deportation and allow work opportunities.
According to Minister’s Immigration Directive No. 21 of 2025, existing ZEPs will remain valid for an additional 18 months after the current expiry date of November 28, 2025. This decision comes after a previous extension in November last year, which followed a court ruling that deemed the termination of the ZEP illegal.
There are approximately one million Zimbabweans living in South Africa, according to a 2022 census, which accounts for 45% of the country’s immigrant population. Many Zimbabweans have migrated to South Africa due to economic and political instability in their home country, often using illegal entry points along the Limpopo border.
The South African government has been grappling with the issue of undocumented migrants, with a campaign known as Operation Dudula targeting foreigners without permits in the industrial capital, Johannesburg. The campaign has sparked concerns about access to basic services, including healthcare and education, for migrant communities.
In an effort to find a permanent solution to the ZEP, Minister Schreiber appointed an Immigration Advisory Board (IAB) in April this year. The IAB has met several times to deliberate on the matter and will engage with critical stakeholders in a consultation process to determine the future of ZEP holders.
The extension of the ZEP is significant, as it allows Zimbabwean migrants to continue living and working in South Africa without fear of deportation. However, the long-term solution to the issue remains uncertain, and the South African government will need to balance the needs of its own citizens with its international obligations to protect the rights of migrants. The IAB’s consultation process is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the ZEP and addressing the complex issues surrounding migration in South Africa.