Over 100,000 Zimbabweans submit applications for SA permits

More than 100,000 Zimbabweans living in South Africa are believed to have so far applied for permits under the Zimbabwe permits program, which started on the first of October.

Mthokozisi Ndiweni of the Zimbabwe Permits Forum said more still needs to be done for the majority of people to book for appointments at designated centers.

Applications for the permits cost Zimbabweans 870 rands, which the Ministry of Home Affairs says is in line with similar visas and permit charges.

Zimbabweans seeking to regularize their stay are applying on the www.vfsglobal.com/zsp/southafrica website from October 1st. Interviews are expected from November 1st to April 30th, 2015.

Zimbabweans reapplying for permits will be given a reference number and a supporting confirmation email of application while they await their interview.

Applicants are required to have a valid Zimbabwean passport; evidence of employment, business or accredited study; and a clear criminal record. Applications close on December 31st, 2014, the same day permits issued four years ago will expire.

Following the submission of applications online, those seeking permits are supposed to book for interviews at various centers. The 10 application centers include four new centers in the provinces of Gauteng (Midrand), Western Cape (Cape Town), Limpopo (Polokwane) and Kwazulu-Natal (Durban). The remaining six centers are in George, Port Elizabeth, Kimberley, Bloemfontein, Nelspruit and Rustenburg.

Over 245,000 Zimbabweans are expected to regularize their status in South Africa by the end April next year. These are people who were registered under the phase phase of the special permit programme started in 2009.