SA to extend permits applications

THE South African government is expected to extend its application deadline for Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) to alleviate congestion at offices dealing with applicants.

The extension deadline is expected to be announced tomorrow by the Home Affairs Director General Mr Mkuseli Apleni.

The permits for nearly 200 000 Zimbabwean Special Permit (ZSP), which were issued in 2014, will expire at the end of next month, paving way for ZEP which will run from next year to 2021.

In a statement yesterday, South Africa's department of Home Affairs said the South African government would extend the permits application following over subscription at their offices.

"Home Affairs Director-General Mkuseli Apleni will present a progress report on the application process for the new Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) and announce the extension of the period for permit applicants to finalise their applications, in person, at VFS offices," read the Ministry's statement.

"The DG will reflect also on the project's challenges, including alleviating the congestion that ZEP applicants are experiencing at VFS offices."

In September, the neighbouring country extended by four years the new permits stressing that the visas will not be renewable.