South Africa: Termination of Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) Found Unconstitutional
June 28, 2023

The High Court found the Department of Home Affairs’ decision to withdraw the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit, which allows eligible Zimbabweans to lawfully live and work in South Africa, unconstitutional and unlawful as the Minister of Home Affairs did not allow affected parties a reasonable opportunity to provide input on the termination of the permits. As a result, the High Court ordered the matter be sent back to the Minister of Home Affairs for reconsideration using a process that complies with the relevant law. However, in the meantime, the High Court ordered that ZEP holders are granted another 12 months, until June 30, 2024, to remain in South Africa. The Department has not announced if it will challenge the decision of the High Court in the Supreme Court of Appeals. If they go forward with the challenge, the current High Court ruling stands until the challenge is decided.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen

Blog post
Immigration Director Adriana Martínez Garro explains the residency process in Costa Rica for families relocating with dependents, outlining key legal considerations and steps for securing status.

Media mentions
Fragomen contributed data showing how UK visa and health surcharge costs compare with other leading research nations.

Fragomen news
Fragomen supported this report, which explores how gender shapes migration patterns, visa routes, employment and settlement in the UK.

Blog post
Senior Associate Tomasz Rdzanek or Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala discuss proposed changes to Poland’s citizenship law aimed at simplifying eligibility and clarifying naturalisation procedures for foreign nationals.

Video
Manager David Makau discusses Oman's recent introduction of a Golden Visa program.

Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock highlights the inclusion of performing arts occupations on the temporary shortage list and what it means for international talent in the sector.

Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock highlights opportunities for easier access to overseas talent for the UK creative sector while guiding businesses through evolving visa rules.

Blog post
Associate Amelia Haynes and Paralegal Clare Macmillan Bell discuss the legal considerations surrounding British citizenship for children born through adoption or surrogacy.

Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper provides insight on how evolving US and UK immigration policies, including recent H-1B changes, are shaping corporate mobility and compliance strategies.

Video
O Diretor Executivo da Fragomen Brasil, Diogo Kloper, destaca uma atualização importante na política migratória brasileira, que muda significativamente o que estrangeiros podem fazer no país sob o status de visitante.

Media mentions
Partner Rajiv Naik provides insight on how immigration frameworks across the UK, Europe and EMEA are evolving to support start-ups and entrepreneurial talent.

Media mentions
Partner Jo Antoons discusses the rollout of the EU's new Entry/Exit System.

Blog post
Immigration Director Adriana Martínez Garro explains the residency process in Costa Rica for families relocating with dependents, outlining key legal considerations and steps for securing status.

Media mentions
Fragomen contributed data showing how UK visa and health surcharge costs compare with other leading research nations.

Fragomen news
Fragomen supported this report, which explores how gender shapes migration patterns, visa routes, employment and settlement in the UK.

Blog post
Senior Associate Tomasz Rdzanek or Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala discuss proposed changes to Poland’s citizenship law aimed at simplifying eligibility and clarifying naturalisation procedures for foreign nationals.

Video
Manager David Makau discusses Oman's recent introduction of a Golden Visa program.

Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock highlights the inclusion of performing arts occupations on the temporary shortage list and what it means for international talent in the sector.

Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock highlights opportunities for easier access to overseas talent for the UK creative sector while guiding businesses through evolving visa rules.

Blog post
Associate Amelia Haynes and Paralegal Clare Macmillan Bell discuss the legal considerations surrounding British citizenship for children born through adoption or surrogacy.

Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper provides insight on how evolving US and UK immigration policies, including recent H-1B changes, are shaping corporate mobility and compliance strategies.

Video
O Diretor Executivo da Fragomen Brasil, Diogo Kloper, destaca uma atualização importante na política migratória brasileira, que muda significativamente o que estrangeiros podem fazer no país sob o status de visitante.

Media mentions
Partner Rajiv Naik provides insight on how immigration frameworks across the UK, Europe and EMEA are evolving to support start-ups and entrepreneurial talent.

Media mentions
Partner Jo Antoons discusses the rollout of the EU's new Entry/Exit System.