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
Media mentions
Partnering with Talent Beyond Boundaries, Fragomen continues to support displaced people in their host societies.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Kelly Hardman discusses Scotland’s hospitality sector following the UK government’s increase to the salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas.
Blog post
Manager Russell Hodges and Immigration Paralegal Natalia Jozwiak discuss the future of the UK's science sector following the country's 2024 re-entry into the Horizon programme and shift in migration policy.
Media mentions
Partner Charlotte Slocombe discusses what is considered US residency now that Prince Harry has changed his primary residence from the UK to US.
Media mentions
Director Willys Mac’Olale shares the impact the AfCFTA will have on Kenya’s economy and immigration policies.
Video
Immigration Consultant Laura Varon Osorio explains the process for posting foreign workers to France during the eagerly awaited 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris.
Media mentions
Partner Daniel Pierce shares how a Supreme Court visa denial case could impact challenges to employment-based visa denials.
Awards
Partner Kevin Miner is selected by the Daily Report as a finalist in the “Legal Innovators” category of the publication’s 2024 Southeastern Legal Awards.
Blog post
This blog considers how employer sponsorship of long-term residence permits in Europe could be a means for retaining their talent.
Blog post
This blog provides an overview of Switzerland's family reunion process for EU/EFTA nationals and third-country nationals.
Awards
Four Fragomen professionals are recognised in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia in the field of immigration law.
Media mentions
O Diretor de Imigração, Diogo Kloper, compartilha quais indústrias estão recrutando talentos estrangeiros no Brasil.
Media mentions
Partnering with Talent Beyond Boundaries, Fragomen continues to support displaced people in their host societies.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Kelly Hardman discusses Scotland’s hospitality sector following the UK government’s increase to the salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas.
Blog post
Manager Russell Hodges and Immigration Paralegal Natalia Jozwiak discuss the future of the UK's science sector following the country's 2024 re-entry into the Horizon programme and shift in migration policy.
Media mentions
Partner Charlotte Slocombe discusses what is considered US residency now that Prince Harry has changed his primary residence from the UK to US.
Media mentions
Director Willys Mac’Olale shares the impact the AfCFTA will have on Kenya’s economy and immigration policies.
Video
Immigration Consultant Laura Varon Osorio explains the process for posting foreign workers to France during the eagerly awaited 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris.
Media mentions
Partner Daniel Pierce shares how a Supreme Court visa denial case could impact challenges to employment-based visa denials.
Awards
Partner Kevin Miner is selected by the Daily Report as a finalist in the “Legal Innovators” category of the publication’s 2024 Southeastern Legal Awards.
Blog post
This blog considers how employer sponsorship of long-term residence permits in Europe could be a means for retaining their talent.
Blog post
This blog provides an overview of Switzerland's family reunion process for EU/EFTA nationals and third-country nationals.
Awards
Four Fragomen professionals are recognised in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia in the field of immigration law.
Media mentions
O Diretor de Imigração, Diogo Kloper, compartilha quais indústrias estão recrutando talentos estrangeiros no Brasil.