Zimbabwean Exemption Permit Holders Face Looming Deadline
A looming deadline on November 29th has ignited concern and a rush among Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) holders in South Africa. This deadline marks the final opportunity for those who have not yet applied for a waiver or other mainstream visas to secure their status in South Africa.
Uncertainty Looms for ZEP Holders Who Missed the Deadline
The deadline presents a critical juncture for ZEP holders. Those who miss the deadline will face stark choices: apply for a new exemption permit through VFS Global, or depart from South Africa.
Marisa Jacobs, managing director at Xpatweb, explains that for those who missed the deadline, “this is the last opportunity to have certainty about your continued legal employment and stay in South Africa.”
She emphasizes that after November 29th, the only remaining option will be to initiate a new submission in Zimbabwe under the new Points-Based system. This represents a significant change from the existing system.
Many are finding themselves grappling with the complexities of securing an appointment at VFS Global offices. During a recent Xpatweb webinar focused on key immigration updates for 2024, participants expressed their concerns and frustrations with the looming deadline.
Legal Battles Surrounding ZEP Termination
The uncertainty stems from the 2022 decision to terminate the ZEP. This decision sparked a wave of legal battles. Following the initial termination, a protracted legal battle unfolded, culminating in the High Court in Pretoria declaring the termination unlawful. Subsequent appeals to the Supreme Court of Appeal and the Constitutional Court were unsuccessful, reinforcing the High Court’s ruling.
This seesaw battle has left many ZEP holders in a state of limbo. The November 29th deadline represents a definitive attempt to bring a semblance of order to the situation, but it leaves a lingering sense of pressure and uncertainty for affected individuals.
Consequences of Missing the Deadline
Benjamin van Zyl, an immigration consultant at Xpatweb, clarifies the dire consequences of missing the deadline. ZEP holders who remain in South Africa after the deadline without a valid permit will be deemed “undesirable” and could face arrest, deportation, and a ban from re-entering the country, potentially for a duration of one to five years.
Their legal status will be in jeopardy, and those who did not apply in time will need to submit a new application from outside the country under the points-based system, requiring a relocation to Zimbabwe.
Those who have successfully submitted waiver or visa applications prior to the deadline are not affected by this deadline.
The looming deadline has generated drastic changes regarding visa applications and processing.
The Department of Home Affairs recently announced a decision to deliver the outcomes of– costly, and time-consuming process.
For those who applied for waivers, their current applications for General Work Visas can proceed once those waivers have been processed.
As the deadline draws closer, the impact on Zimbabwean nationals in South Africa remains a pressing concern for individuals, families, and immigration professionals alike.
Since the interview mentions a deadline of November 29th, here are two PAA related questions:
## Zimbabwean Exemption Permit Holders Face Looming Deadline
**Interviewer:** We’re joined today by Marisa Jacobs, Managing Director at Xpatweb, an immigration consultancy with extensive experience helping foreign nationals navigate the complex South African immigration system. Marisa, thanks for being here.
**Marisa Jacobs:** Thanks for having me.
**Interviewer:** We’re seeing a surge in anxiety amongst Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) holders as November 29th approaches. This is the deadline for those who haven’t yet applied for waivers or mainstream visas to secure their legal status in South Africa. Can you shed some light on the situation?
**Marisa Jacobs:** Absolutely. This deadline marks a critical turning point for ZEP holders. Those who miss it will face difficult choices: apply for a new exemption permit through VFS Global, which is proving to be challenging, or they will need to depart from South Africa. [[1](https://www.ibn.co.za/blog-and-news/zep-updates-nov-24/)]
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that many ZEP holders are facing difficulties securing appointments at VFS Global. What’s contributing to this issue?
**Marisa Jacobs:** There’s a surge in applications as the deadline looms, combined with a limited number of available appointment slots. This is causing significant stress and uncertainty for many individuals who are trying to comply with the regulations.
**Interviewer:** For those who miss the November 29th deadline, what are their options?
**Marisa Jacobs:** Unfortunately, their options become significantly more limited after that date. The only remaining pathway would be to initiate a new submission in Zimbabwe under the new Points-Based system, which represents a major departure from the existing process and adds further complexity. [[1](https://www.ibn.co.za/blog-and-news/zep-updates-nov-24/)]
**Interviewer:** Many ZEP holders have spoken out about the uncertainty and the emotional toll this situation is taking. What message would you like to give to those who are feeling overwhelmed right now?
**Marisa Jacobs:** I understand this is an incredibly stressful time. My advice is to act urgently. Don’t delay. Gather all the necessary documentation, reach out to immigration specialists if needed, and make every effort to secure your legal status before the deadline. Remember, there are resources available to help you navigate this process.
