Zimbabwean, Lesotho nationals granted exemption permits until 2025
Initially, the permits for Lesotho nationals were meant to expire on the last day of this month, while those of Zimbabwean nationals were meant to expire on December 31 this year and June 28 next year.
A total of 178 000 Zimbabweans and 54 663 Lesotho nationals throughout the country have been granted exemption permits, allowing them to remain in the country until the end of 2025.
Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi announced it on December 1 during a media briefing.
News of this could include Zimbabwean and Lesotho nationals on the West Rand.
According to the Minister, the exemption permits will expire on November 29, 2025, and the holders of these permits will be entitled to work, seek employment, and conduct business in South Africa.
Initially, the permits for Lesotho nationals were meant to expire on the last day of this month, while those of Zimbabwean nationals were meant to expire on December 31 this year and June 28 next year.
Motsoaledi said while this may be, the holders of these permits will not be entitled to apply for permanent residence under the Immigration Act or any other provisions in any other law, irrespective of the period of stay.
They will however be allowed freedom of movement between their birth country and South Africa or any other country but cannot change their status in the country.
“A holder of the exemption permit cannot change his or her status in SA as contemplated in Section 10 (6) of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002 during the validity of the permit issued. When a holder of the exemption due to expire on December 31 or such extended period applies for a new exemption permit, he or she must disclose and register all the minor children born and staying in SA,” said Motsoaledi.
