Following landmark rulings and repeated courtroom procedures, right here’s the newest on the validity of Zimbabwean Exemption Permits. Again in September 2021, the South African Minister of Dwelling Affairs terminated the Zimbabwean Exemption Allow (ZEP) scheme.
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For these of you unfamiliar with the validity of Zimbabwean Exemption Permits, ZEP is a scheme that continued on from the Zimbabwean Particular Dispensation (ZSP) allow, which allowed qualifying Zimbabweans to stay in South Africa for an additional 4 years, in response to VFS International.
VALIDITY OF ZIMBABWEAN EXEMPTION PERMITS
Earlier this 12 months, on 28 June 2023, the Pretoria Excessive Courtroom overturned the controversial choice to terminate ZEPs. The Helen Suzman Basis (HSF) and the Consortium for Refugees and Migrants in South Africa (CORMSA) challenged the ruling, in response to SA Visas.
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With ZEP termination overturned, this has raised many questions across the present validity of Zimbabwean Exemption Permits. It’s believed there are round 178 000 ZEP allow holders nonetheless in South Africa.
DECISION CHALLENGED

The South African Division of Dwelling Affairs was challenged on the grounds that they didn’t adjust to the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (PAJA). Particularly, there was no cheap alternative to make representations earlier than taking the choice. This rendered the choice procedurally unfair.
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Accordingly, it was unanimously dominated that the termination of ZEP was “illegal, unconstitutional, and invalid.”As for the validity of Zimbabwean Exemption Permits, the Pretoria Excessive Courtroom ordered that each one ZEPs be robotically prolonged for one full 12 months pending the Division of Dwelling Affair’s enchantment.
VALID TILL MID-2024

Virtually, what meaning for the validity of Zimbabwean Exemption Permits, is that ZEPs expiring on 31 December 2021, are actually legitimate till 30 June 2024. ZEP holders could freely journey to and from South Africa and will not be arrested or deported on the idea of holding an expired allow.
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This text is for informational functions solely and shouldn’t be construed as immigration or authorized recommendation. For detailed recommendation on particular person circumstances, we advocate getting in contact with Attorneys for Human Rights. You’ll be able to name their immigration hotline on 0800 079 614 or WhatsApp them on +27 817 168791.
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