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Zimbabwe Exemption Permit holders secure legal victory in SA
Zimbabwean immigrants living in South Africa under the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) system have won a major legal reprieve after the Supreme Court of Appeal dismissed an attempt by South Africa's M...Published: 10 Jun 2025 at 10:12hrs | 1414 | by Staff reporter
Supreme Court could reshape the legal status of Zimbabweans in SA
In a landmark ruling that could reshape the legal status of thousands of Zimbabwean nationals in South Africa, the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) has rejected an appeal by the Minister of Home Affairs ...Published: 07 Jun 2025 at 10:37hrs | 2853 | by Staff reporter
SA extends visa, permit deadline for Zimbabweans
South Africa's Ministry of Home Affairs has granted a temporary reprieve to thousands of foreign nationals, including Zimbabweans, by extending the deadline for visa and permit holders whose documents...Published: 02 Apr 2025 at 08:54hrs | 300 | by Staff reporter
Zimbabwean permit holders say life in SA has become intolerable
The Zimbabwe Exemption Permit Holders Association (Zepha) has urged the Zimbabwean government to facilitate an urgent voluntary repatriation programme for Zimbabweans living in South Africa, citing wo...Published: 03 Mar 2025 at 11:57hrs | 1688 | by Staff reporter
Are Zimbabwean immigrants a liability or asset to South Africa
Last Friday, Leon Schreiber, South Africa's Minister of Home Affairs, announced the extension of the Zimbabwe Exemption Permits (ZEP) until 28 November 2025, regardless of whether individuals have app...Published: 03 Dec 2024 at 10:06hrs | 697 | by Staff reporter
South Africa extends validity of Zimbabwe Exemption Permits
South Africa's Home Affairs minister Leon Schreiber has extended a lifeline to Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) holders, extending the validity of the permits by another year.ZEP holders were i...Published: 29 Nov 2024 at 15:40hrs | 1653 | by Staff reporter
Confusion reigns as Friday ZEP deadline looms
Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) holders in South Africa are raising concerns that they will be unable to meet the Friday, November 29 deadline to apply for a further one-year exemption due to signific...Published: 27 Nov 2024 at 07:14hrs | 1714 | by Staff reporter
SA assures Zimbabwe exemption permit holders amid new visa system
The South African government has sought to reassure holders of Zimbabwe Exemption Permits (ZEP) regarding the newly implemented points-based system for critical skills and general work visas, addressi...Published: 23 Oct 2024 at 07:56hrs | 1406 | by Staff reporter
Zimbabwean teacher in SA court over salary
A Zimbabwean lecturer based in South Africa, Nhlanhla Moses Ncube, has filed a lawsuit against his employer, claiming he has been underpaid for the past six years. Originally from Nkayi in Matabelelan...Published: 07 Oct 2024 at 08:01hrs | 750 | by Staff reporter
Hope at last for Zimbabweans in South Africa
In November 2021, South Africa's Department of Home Affairs (DHA) abruptly announced that it would not extend the Zimbabwe Exemption Permits (ZEP), leaving hundreds of thousands of Zimbabweans scrambl...Published: 11 Sep 2024 at 11:52hrs | 6706 | by Staff reporter
Zimbabwe prepares for migrant influx from South Africa
The government is preparing to receive thousands of Zimbabweans living illegally in South Africa, who are expected to be deported from the neighboring country.South Africa has ramped up deport...Published: 06 Sep 2024 at 14:04hrs | 4770 | by Staff reporter
SA Home Affairs to issue digital Zimbabwe Exemption Permits
THE South African Department of Home Affairs (DHA) will deliver the outcomes of visa waiver applications via e-mail to applicants, starting with Zimbabwe Exemption Permits (ZEPs).DHA minister,...Published: 01 Sep 2024 at 10:22hrs | 632 | by Staff reporter
Zimbabweans sue SA authorities over harassment
Zimbabwean immigrants in South Africa have sought help from human rights organizations to combat harassment by South African authorities and citizens, following intensified crackdowns on foreigners.&n...Published: 21 Aug 2024 at 07:20hrs | 901 | by Staff reporter
SA Home Affairs Minister enhances work permit process for ZEP holders
Leon Schreiber, the Minister of Home Affairs, unveiled a new technical directive aimed at expediting the work permit application process for Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) holders. Currently, about 1...Published: 14 Aug 2024 at 09:54hrs | 1484 | by Staff reporter
Zimbabweans skeptical as Motsoaledi resumes role as health minister
Some Zimbabweans are concerned about Dr Aaron Motsoaledi's return as Minister of Health in South Africa, citing his previous harsh attitude toward migrants, notably Zimbabweans, accusing them of overw...Published: 08 Jul 2024 at 16:42hrs | 45 | by Staff reporter
Clarity on Zimbabwe exemption permits deadline in South Africa
THE National Employers' Association of South Africa (NEASA) on Thursday provided clarity for all affected parties on the relevant deadlines and periods of validity of the the Zimbabwean exemption perm...Published: 08 Jul 2024 at 11:05hrs | 40 | by Agencies
Reprieve for SA migrant workers
South Africa's new Minister of Home Affairs, Dr. Leon Schreiber, has extended the temporary concession for migrant workers awaiting visa, waiver, and appeal outcomes until December 31, 2024. This exte...Published: 05 Jul 2024 at 10:57hrs | 5 | by Staff reporter
Zimbabwe Exemption Permit extension a temporary relief but ....
EMILY Machingauta (44), a Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (Zep) holder, has welcomed the decision by the government of South Africa to grant a two-year extension to Zimbabwean permit holders.The wai...Published: 15 Apr 2024 at 06:06hrs | 18 | by Sally Nyakanyanga
Zimbabweans complain of SA Home Affairs incompetence
With the government determined to scrap the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP), permit holders were told they must apply for waivers and seek alternative visas if they wish to remain in South Africa lega...Published: 10 Apr 2024 at 09:00hrs | 11 | by Staff reporter
Zimbabwean truckers, refused licence renewals in SA, head for Poland
Zimbabwean truckers are being denied the ability to renew their South African driver's licences as the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) system winds down, with a little less than two years to run befor...Published: 19 Jan 2024 at 14:00hrs | 18 | by Staff reporter
73 000 Bulawayo residents based outside Zimbabwe
THE Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat) has said it is difficult to provide accurate statistics of locals based in diaspora with official data from the 2022 Population and Housing Census rep...Published: 12 Jan 2024 at 05:03hrs | 1 | by Staff reporter
SA enforces stringent controls at Beitbridge border
Stringent measures are being enforced at the Beitbrige border post as thousands of Zimbabweans return to South Africa after the festive season.The Border Management Authority (BMA) said that t...Published: 08 Jan 2024 at 05:36hrs | 15 | by Staff reporter
Lifeline for SA-based unbanked Zimbabweans
SOUTH AFRICA-BASED Zimbabwean-owned ACID Financial Services company has rolled out banking services targeting unbanked Zimbabweans based in the neighbouring country without valid permits but have vali...Published: 07 Dec 2023 at 05:30hrs | 12 | by Staff reporter
Zimbabwe has no record of child trafficking in SA, lies KAzembe
Zimbabwe has no record of child trafficking arising from the reported interception of 42 buses carrying 443 unaccompanied children on the South African side of the Beitbridge Border Post as was report...Published: 06 Dec 2023 at 05:02hrs | 14 | by Staff reporter
Zimbabweans welcome another ZEP permit's life line
ZIMBABWEANS working and living in South Africa on the strength of a special three years' permit have welcomed its extension by the host government for another two years.South Africa's Home Aff...Published: 01 Dec 2023 at 18:25hrs | 19 | by Staff reporter
BREAKING: Zimbabwe Exemption Permits extended to November 2025
In a significant development, the South African government has announced the extension of the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) until November 2025. This crucial decision was confirmed by the Minister o...Published: 01 Dec 2023 at 10:28hrs | 40 | by Mandla Ndlovu
Zimbabwean truckers head to court to stop unlawful 'purging' by SA employers
Several Zimbabwean truckers rushed to the Durban High Court this week seeking an urgent interdict to stop their employer terminating their employment on the grounds that they are illegal immigrants....Published: 11 Nov 2023 at 15:52hrs | 13 | by Staff reporter
Mnangagwa sidesteps media after being quizzed on ZEP
President Emmerson Mnangagwa avoided addressing questions about South Africa's efforts to manage Zimbabwean migration through the Zimbabwe Exemption Permits (ZEP) during a recent visit to the Musina b...Published: 06 Oct 2023 at 21:09hrs | 1 | by Staff reporter
Mnangagwa must introduce a diaspora ministry
GOOD day, President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Your Excellency, it is my sworn submission that your recent resurrection of the War Veterans ministry is suggestive of aberrations. As I see it, the decision is...Published: 27 Sep 2023 at 06:18hrs | | by Cyprian Muketiwa Ndawana
Zimbabwe Exemption Permit holders breath sigh of relief
Zimbabweans affected by the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) issue are experiencing a sense of relief as the Pretoria High Court has reserved judgment regarding the Department of Home Affairs' applicat...Published: 20 Sep 2023 at 06:42hrs | | by Staff reporter
Aaron Motsoaledi goes after SA court over Zimbabwe Exemption Permits
Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi is seeking leave to appeal a Gauteng High Court ruling that found his decision to terminate Zimbabwe Exemption Permits (ZEPs) was "unlawful, unconstitutional, an...Published: 19 Sep 2023 at 06:36hrs | 2 | by Staff reporter
Ramaphosa's endorsement of 'rigged' election will bring more foreigners to SA, say Zimbabweans
SOUTH African President Cyril Ramaphosa's public support of Zimbabwe's national election results will lead to more foreign nationals fleeing to South Africa in search of a better life, Zimbabwean nati...Published: 10 Sep 2023 at 08:56hrs | 1 | by Staff reporter
Court application to suspend the arrest or deportation of Zimbabwe Exemption Permits holders
The Helen Suzman Foundation (HSF) has brought a court application to suspend the arrest or deportation of Zimbabwe Exemption Permits (ZEP) holders, pending an appeal by home affairs minister Aaron Mot...Published: 04 Sep 2023 at 21:20hrs | 9 | by Staff reporter
'Withdrawal of Zimbabwe Exemption Permits is discriminatory and inhumane'
New research has indicated that the biggest challenge in documenting immigrants is procedure, which increasingly excludes people who are considered 'not useful' to the South African economy.Th...Published: 14 Aug 2023 at 06:40hrs | 13 | by Staff reporter
Jobless Zimbabwe teachers told to 'start your own schools'
GOVERNMENT has told jobless teachers to open their own schools as it cannot employ all of them into the country's education system.This was said by Higher and Tertiary Education deputy ministe...Published: 07 Aug 2023 at 06:41hrs | 19 | by Staff reporter
Duty free entry for Zimbabwe Exemption Permit holders
ZIMBABWE Revenue Authority (Zimra) has approved a customs clearance system for South Africa-based residents who hold Zimbabwe Exemption Permits (ZEP) to bring their goods to Zimbabwe on duty-free when...Published: 04 Aug 2023 at 06:39hrs | 12 | by Staff reporter
'Zimbabwe Exemption Permit termination efforts are unfair, discriminatory and ill-advised'
A new study by the Centre for Sociological Research and Practice at the University of Johannesburg has found that efforts to terminate the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit by the South African government are...Published: 02 Aug 2023 at 18:12hrs | 1 | by Staff reporter
Maimane blames Zimbabwe Exemption Permit debacle on ANC and Zanu-PF relationship
"The courts have no choice but to uphold refugee laws and the constitution. If we want to solve the immigration crisis we have to go directly to the root of the problem, namely the dictatorship in Zim...Published: 02 Jul 2023 at 07:43hrs | 12 | by Staff reporter
Zimbabwe says it was willing to welcome back its citizens from South Africa
The Zimbabwean government said it had taken note of the judgment by the High Court in Pretoria which ruled that the Department of Home Affairs' decision to summarily terminate the Zimbabwean Exemption...Published: 30 Jun 2023 at 14:47hrs | 2 | by Staff reporter
ANC to blame for immigration crisis, says Maimane
OUTSPOKEN South African opposition leader, Mmusi Maimane, says the ruling African National Congress (ANC) is to blame for the immigration crisis in that country by condoning Zanu-PF's bad govern...Published: 30 Jun 2023 at 14:31hrs | 1 | by Staff reporter
Zimbabwe exemption permit termination ruled unlawful
The decision by the Minister of Home Affairs to terminate the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit programme has been declared unlawful, unconstitutional and invalid.Three judges, sitting as a full ben...Published: 28 Jun 2023 at 20:29hrs | 1 | by Staff reporter
Court orders South Africa to stop deporting Zimbabweans
The Pretoria High Court has ordered South Africa's Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi to stop arresting and deporting people who don't have valid Zimbabwean Exemption Permits.This is accor...Published: 28 Jun 2023 at 20:26hrs | | by Staff reporter
Zimbabwe's new Patriotic Bill just about 'loving your country,' says Mutsvangwa
The heavily criticised Patriotic Bill, which was passed by Zimbabwe's Parliament recently to clamp down on "subverting government", is not meant to suppress freedom of expression.This is accor...Published: 26 Jun 2023 at 06:53hrs | 5 | by Staff reporter
Chamisa kicks off campaign
Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa yesterday kicked off his campaign ahead of the August 23 elections by addressing Zimbabweans in neighbouring South Africa whom he asked to ret...Published: 25 Jun 2023 at 09:39hrs | 1 | by Staff reporter
Zimbabwe Exemption Permit Expiry: There are legal alternatives for Zim nationals and their employers
For the many Zimbabwean nationals living in South Africa - and their employers - the upcoming expiry date for the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP), has been a cause for major concern.The ZEP wa...Published: 13 Jun 2023 at 10:57hrs | 2 | by Staff reporter
8 000 SA returnees expected home soon
At least 8 000 migrants who registered to return home ahead of the expiry of the Zimbabwe Exemption Permits (ZEP) in South Africa on June 30, are expected any time soon, with the Government confirming...Published: 28 May 2023 at 08:05hrs | | by Staff reporter
Zimbabwean prisoners in SA want to be paroled and repatriated
A campaign has kicked off to repatriate thousands of Zimbabwean prisoners eligible for parole.A letter sent by attorneys representing the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit Holders Association (Zepha) ...Published: 23 May 2023 at 21:22hrs | 15 | by Ciara Ryan
SA opposition adds voice to ZEP saga
SOUTH Africa's opposition African People First (APF) party has backed calls to renew Zimbabwe exemption permits in that country who hail from Matabeleland citing historical ties.APF said this ...Published: 11 May 2023 at 05:33hrs | 1 | by Staff reporter
SA's scrap of special work permits, Zimbabwe migrants will be exposed
Hundreds of thousands of Zimbabweans have flocked to South Africa to escape economic hardship since the 1990s. The South African government has, since 2010, granted the migrants a special permit to li...Published: 28 Apr 2023 at 07:03hrs | | by The Conversation
ZEP holders not keen on Zimbabwe return
ZIMBABWEANS that are facing deportation from South Africa after the expiry of their special permits in June are not taking the government's offer to register for assistance to return home voluntarily,...Published: 27 Apr 2023 at 06:33hrs | | by Staff reporter
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