
Executive Summary
Due to the high demand for the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit program, the Department of Home Affairs has extended the date by which documentation and biometrics need to be completed to January 31, 2018.
The situation
Due to the high demand for the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) program, the Department of Home Affairs has extended the date by which documentation and biometrics need to be completed from December 31, 2017 to January 31, 2018.
A closer look
- Online application deadline unchanged. The deadline for submitting online applications is still November 30, 2017.
- ZEP Permit duration. ZEP permits will be issued for a maximum period of four years, effective January 1, 2018 and expiring December 31, 2021, notwithstanding the date of issue.
- End of ZEP program. The Department of Home Affairs expects to complete the program by the end of September 2018, including finalizing adjudications and issuing new permits.
- Impact. Foreign nationals currently under Zimbabwean Special Permit (ZSP) visas should ensure that their online application forms have been completed and submitted, that they have paid the relevant Visa Facilitation Service Fees, and that they have booked an appointment by November 30, 2017 where they will submit documentation and complete biometrics.
Background
Following the Department of Home Affairs’ announcement that the ZSP will close by the end of 2017, the Department of Home Affairs introduced the ZEP for Zimbabwean nationals who intend to work, study or conduct business in South Africa.
Looking ahead
The ZEP is meant to fill an interim period between the phasing out of the ZSP visa and when Zimbabwean nationals will be required to apply for mainstream South African permits.
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

Podcast
David Kipp von der Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik im Gespräch mit Marius Tollenaere, Partner im Frankfurter Büro von Fragomen.

Blog post
Partner Dan Schwarz and Senior Associate Mikhail (Mike) Izrailev provide an overview of the EB-5 visa program, highlighting its benefits and key considerations for potential investors.

Blog post
Business Immigration Consultant Ryaihanny Sahrom discusses Timor-Leste's ASEAN debut and its impact on regional mobility.

Blog post
Destination Services Manager Ali Sikandar provides essential information for expats navigating the Saudi real estate market.

Blog post
This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping the Middle East and Africa in 2025, drawing from Fragomen’s upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviews—available mid-July.

Video
Immigration Consultant Azela Hadia covers everything you need to know about French citizenship by decree, a legal process through which a foreign national can acquire French nationality.

Blog post
This blog provides an overview of the key factors to consider when deciding in which jurisdiction to set up a company in the UAE.

Media mentions
Manager Alexander Hood explains how the UK’s Global Talent visa helps tech founders start and grow businesses without employer sponsorship.

Blog post
Partner Siobhan Owers and Senior Associate Asif Hanif discuss the latest UK immigration announcements and their impact on the future of care work.

Media mentions
Senior Business Immigration Analyst Rabaa Biry recently shared her journey to Canada and how support and perseverance helped shape her path forward.

Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini highlights how Saudi Arabia’s growing film industry is creating jobs, attracting global talent and supporting economic diversification.

Podcast
David Kipp von der Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik im Gespräch mit Marius Tollenaere, Partner im Frankfurter Büro von Fragomen.

Blog post
Partner Dan Schwarz and Senior Associate Mikhail (Mike) Izrailev provide an overview of the EB-5 visa program, highlighting its benefits and key considerations for potential investors.

Blog post
Business Immigration Consultant Ryaihanny Sahrom discusses Timor-Leste's ASEAN debut and its impact on regional mobility.

Blog post
Destination Services Manager Ali Sikandar provides essential information for expats navigating the Saudi real estate market.

Blog post
This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping the Middle East and Africa in 2025, drawing from Fragomen’s upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviews—available mid-July.

Video
Immigration Consultant Azela Hadia covers everything you need to know about French citizenship by decree, a legal process through which a foreign national can acquire French nationality.

Blog post
This blog provides an overview of the key factors to consider when deciding in which jurisdiction to set up a company in the UAE.

Media mentions
Manager Alexander Hood explains how the UK’s Global Talent visa helps tech founders start and grow businesses without employer sponsorship.

Blog post
Partner Siobhan Owers and Senior Associate Asif Hanif discuss the latest UK immigration announcements and their impact on the future of care work.

Media mentions
Senior Business Immigration Analyst Rabaa Biry recently shared her journey to Canada and how support and perseverance helped shape her path forward.

Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini highlights how Saudi Arabia’s growing film industry is creating jobs, attracting global talent and supporting economic diversification.