Kembo Mohadi engages SA over new permit regime

Zimbabwe is engaged in talks with South Africa over the possibility of the renewal of work permits issued in 2010 in view of new immigration laws in that country.

The introduction of new immigration regulations by South Africa's Home Affairs Department has left many Zimbabweans issued with work permits in 2010 uncertain of the future.

With the permits issued under the Special Dispensation in 2010 expiring, there have been fears of a possibility of mass deportations of Zimbabweans based in the neighbouring country.

Home Affairs Minister, Kembo Mohadi said that he is engaged in low level talks with his South African counterparts over the possibility of a second documentation exercise.

"Although the government respects the decision by South Africa to tighten its immigration laws, we will engage them if the policy shift will affect Zimbabweans," he said.

Under the Special Dispensation period, over 250000 Zimbabwean nationals were granted four year work and study permits.

Under the new laws, exceptional skills permits will no longer exist.

Habitual over-stayers of visas and permits would be banned from entry into South Africa.

According the South African Home Affairs Department, the new regulations are meant to help improve immigration control.