ZEP holders do not qualify for permanent residence

South Africa's Department of Home Affairs has clarified that holders of the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) do not qualify for permanent residence, following confusion sparked by recent public remarks.

The clarification comes after a television interview featuring Deputy Minister Njabulo Nzuza during discussions on the revised White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection.

In a statement, department spokesperson Thulani Mavuso said ZEP holders remain ineligible for permanent residency despite ongoing policy discussions.

"The Department is currently engaged in a rigorous public consultation process regarding the future of both the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) and the Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP)," Mavuso said.

He confirmed that both permit programmes have been extended until May 29, 2027, providing temporary relief to thousands of affected individuals.

The department said the consultation process is aimed at developing a long-term, legally sound policy framework, with a final position expected to be submitted to Cabinet by the end of the 2026/27 financial year.

Mavuso urged stakeholders to avoid spreading misinformation, warning that confusion over the permits could cause unnecessary anxiety among holders.

"The Department of Home Affairs remains committed to finding a sustainable and fair solution to this long-standing matter," he said.

The ZEP programme, which allows Zimbabwean nationals to live and work in South Africa under special dispensation, has been subject to ongoing policy review as government weighs long-term immigration reforms.