NEASA has previously communicated the status of Zimbabwean Exemption Permits to employers. The status of these permits remains unchanged:
- ZEPs are still valid until 28 May 2027.
- Current ZEP holders who have already applied for waivers and for other mainstream visas are still allowed to remain and be employed in South Africa, until they receive the outcome of their applications.
The Minister of Home Affairs has also recently issued Directive No. 7: Extension of Temporary Concession for Foreign Nationals Related to Delayed Processing of Waiver, Visa, and Appeal Applications - a general extension of the relief for visa backlog in South Africa.
- All applicants with pending visa, waiver, or appeal outcomes therefore retain their legal status in South Africa until 30 June 2027. The directive affects all foreign nationals currently in South Africa who are waiting for outcomes of their applications.
Employers are therefore urged to take cognisance of this extension and to ascertain whether their foreign employees have a right to live and work in South Africa, as well as to establish the limitations and legality of their current work permits or visas.
This is especially important for employers intending to institute any incapacity proceedings against any foreign employee, as anyone with a pending visa application in South Africa will not be able to be dismissed on the grounds of general incapacity if they have a pending visa application.
Employers and permit holders, who have not submitted any applications yet, are encouraged to consult with an Immigration Specialist in order to determine which permit or visa is most suitable for them and/or their employees in order to comply with immigration laws.
For any enquiries in this regard, please send an email to: