With the issuanceof Immigration Directive No. 21 of 2025, Minister Dr L. A. Schreiber has further extended the validity of Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) in terms of Section 31(2)(b) of the Immigration Act, 2002.
1. Validity Extension
All Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEPs) will now remain valid up until 28 MAY 2027.
2. Protection from Deportation or Removal
No ZEP holder may be arrested, ordered to depart, detained, or deported under Section 34 of the Immigration Act solely for lacking a valid exemption certificate.
3. Entry and Departure Permissions
ZEP holders may enter and exit South Africa, as contemplated under Section 9 of the Immigration Act, provided they comply with all other entry and departure requirements—even without a valid visa endorsement in the passport.
4. Visa Application Requirements
ZEP holders are not required to produce a valid exemption certificate, visa, or authorisation letter when applying for temporary stay visas under Section 10(2) of the Immigration Act, as contemplated in Section 32(1).