The South African Department of Home Affairs (DHA) today confirmed that it has extended the closing date for Zimbabweans living and working in the country to apply for their Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP).
The deadline has now been extended to 31 January, 2018, SA’s Home Affairs Director-General Mkuseli Apleni said on 10 November
“Due to the large number of ZSP holders who have completed the online applications thus far, the department has extended the closing date for the submission of supporting documents and biometrics to 31 January, 2018. Therefore, people must present themselves to VFS [visa facilitation services] offices until this date – 31 January 2018,” said Apleni.
The ZSP, which started in 2014, and was issued for a period of three years, allowed Zimbabwean nationals to work, study or conduct business in South Africa. The ZSP will expire on 31 December 2017. The total number of ZSP permits issued was 197 941.
“We emphasize that the 30th of November is only for submission of online applications. Flooding of VFS offices actually defeats the aim of using technology to improve service delivery. Just as it is comfortable to apply for exemption permits at home, where you do not have to queue, we want to ensure that people are not subjected to the discomfort of spending hours in a queue. The extension, up to 31 January 2018 is only for scheduling of appointments for the purpose of submitting biometrics (fingerprints) and supporting documents at VFS Offices,” said the DHA in a statement.
ZSP permit-holders are therefore urged to still complete their applications online, make the necessary payment and schedule appointments by 30 November 2017 at any of the 10 VFS Global offices listed below. “We reiterate that ZEP permits will be issued for a maximum period of four (4) years, effective from 01 January 2018 and expiring on 31 December 2021, notwithstanding the date of issue.”
There is no requirement for ZSP holders to apply for permits outside South Africa. They can apply for mainstream permits in the country. ZSP holders who want to travel outside South Africa for the festive season, will be able to do so. They only need to produce their passports with the ZSP stickers and their ZEP application receipts.
In their nature, exemption permits are not permanent or long-term. They are there only to serve a specific purpose, with a view ultimately to having people returning to their countries of origin, the department said.
Supporting VFS offices:
For more details, read the DHA’s full statement here