News / Africa
SA permits, Zimbabwean immigrants given a lifeline
28 May 2015 at 08:11hrs | Views
SOUTH Africa has reportedly given Zimbabweans whose applications for work and business permits were turned down to appeal the decision, giving a lifeline to thousands of immigrants facing deportation.
The neighbouring country is expected to issue Zimbabweans with new special permits by end of July.
South Africa first issued the special permits in 2010 to regularise the stay of thousands of Zimbabwean illegal immigrants in that country.
The permits expired last year before the special dispensation was extended to 2017 and permit holders were required to apply for renewals.
South Africa's Home Affairs department has reportedly processed more than 100 000 ZSD permits since October last
year.
The permits were given to Zimbabweans who held the DZP permits which are valid until December 31 2017. A DPZ permit allowed Zimbabweans to remain in South Africa and apply for a visa relevant to the terms of their stay in that country.
The actual number of Zimbabweans in South Africa is not known although there were reports the number could be between one and three million people.
Illegal immigrants in South Africa took centre stage last month in the aftermath of xenophobic attacks that rocked the country.
Zimbabwe repatriated 1 000 people who were affected by the attacks.
The neighbouring country is expected to issue Zimbabweans with new special permits by end of July.
South Africa first issued the special permits in 2010 to regularise the stay of thousands of Zimbabwean illegal immigrants in that country.
The permits expired last year before the special dispensation was extended to 2017 and permit holders were required to apply for renewals.
year.
The permits were given to Zimbabweans who held the DZP permits which are valid until December 31 2017. A DPZ permit allowed Zimbabweans to remain in South Africa and apply for a visa relevant to the terms of their stay in that country.
The actual number of Zimbabweans in South Africa is not known although there were reports the number could be between one and three million people.
Illegal immigrants in South Africa took centre stage last month in the aftermath of xenophobic attacks that rocked the country.
Zimbabwe repatriated 1 000 people who were affected by the attacks.
Source - Southern Eye
