News / Local
South Africa not deporting Zimbabweans
12 Dec 2016 at 05:31hrs | Views
Zimbabweans who have permits to stay in South Africa but expire in
2017 should not panic as a new arrangement that will see permit
holders remaining legally in South Africa beyond 2017 is being worked
out, it has been learnt.
Zimbabwe Community in South Africa chairperson, Ngqabutho Mabhena said he held discussions with South African Home Affairs officials on the sidelines of the Migrants Mkhaya Awards on Sunday evening and assured him of a 'new plan'.
Below is his full statement released today (Monday) :
The South African Department of Home Affairs says we should not be worried on what will happen beyond 31st December 2017.
Last night, we had a discussion on the sidelines of the Migrants Mkhaya Awards and we were assured by officials to remain calm and not panic.
The Dept is planning a new arrangement that will see holders of the ZSP remaining legal in South Africa beyond 2017.
You will know that the Green Paper on International Migration is proposing a SADC Work Visa, the dept says they are not looking at the proposed SADC Work Visa as an alternative.
The reason is that, the SADC Work Visa (if approved) will only come into effect sometime in 2018 when all ZSP will have expired.
The Dept of Home Affairs is to make an announcement early next year on what will happen to a ZSP holders.
What is becoming clear though is that, the government will not ask the over 198 000 ZSP to go back to Zimbabwe.
I have been told to ask you to enjoy your holidays and not worry about 2017 and avoid doing something illegal trying to change to an alternative permit.
I have met some ZSP holders who are now trying to use illegal routes in extending their permits or in applying for alternative permits.
Let us not use agents but wait for the announcement by the Dept of Home Affairs.
Once more we want to thank all of you for nominating and voting for us.
The award given to the Zimbabwe Community In South Africa is for all of us. As leadership, we will keep the award safe on your behalf.
Zimbabwe Community in South Africa chairperson, Ngqabutho Mabhena said he held discussions with South African Home Affairs officials on the sidelines of the Migrants Mkhaya Awards on Sunday evening and assured him of a 'new plan'.
Below is his full statement released today (Monday) :
The South African Department of Home Affairs says we should not be worried on what will happen beyond 31st December 2017.
Last night, we had a discussion on the sidelines of the Migrants Mkhaya Awards and we were assured by officials to remain calm and not panic.
The Dept is planning a new arrangement that will see holders of the ZSP remaining legal in South Africa beyond 2017.
You will know that the Green Paper on International Migration is proposing a SADC Work Visa, the dept says they are not looking at the proposed SADC Work Visa as an alternative.
The reason is that, the SADC Work Visa (if approved) will only come into effect sometime in 2018 when all ZSP will have expired.
What is becoming clear though is that, the government will not ask the over 198 000 ZSP to go back to Zimbabwe.
I have been told to ask you to enjoy your holidays and not worry about 2017 and avoid doing something illegal trying to change to an alternative permit.
I have met some ZSP holders who are now trying to use illegal routes in extending their permits or in applying for alternative permits.
Let us not use agents but wait for the announcement by the Dept of Home Affairs.
Once more we want to thank all of you for nominating and voting for us.
The award given to the Zimbabwe Community In South Africa is for all of us. As leadership, we will keep the award safe on your behalf.
Source - Byo24News
