Zimbabweans in South Africa risk losing influence in permit talks as submission deadline extended
via NewsDay Zimbabwe7 min read
Zimbabweans residing in South Africa are urged to participate in consultations regarding the future of the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit ZEP as the extended deadline approaches. South Africa's Department of Home Affairs initiated these consultations following a court ruling that temporarily halted the termination of the ZEP program. Ngqabutho Mabhena, executive director of the African Diaspora Forum and chairperson of the Zimbabwe Community in South Africa, expressed concern over the low number of submissions received so far, which also includes those for the Lesotho Exemption Permit LEP. As of June 18, the Department of Home Affairs had received 21,520 email submissions and 30,924 completed online questionnaires for both ZEP and LEP holders. Mabhena confirmed that the submission deadline has been extended from June 23 to June 30, 2026, to allow more time for individuals struggling with the submission process. Community activists are assisting applicants, but are overwhelmed by requests for help. The consultations are a result of a June 2023 Pretoria High Court ruling that declared the decision to terminate the ZEP program unlawful and ordered that ZEP holders remain in South Africa during a proper consultative process. Recommendations on the future of both ZEP and LEP programs are expected to be submitted to Cabinet by March 31, 2027. This process occurs amid heightened anxiety among foreign nationals in South Africa due to sporadic xenophobic violence.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by NewsDay Zimbabwe.
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