Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEPs)

DEADLINES REMINDER

Dear employer

In a July newsletter, NEASA provided an update surrounding the ZEP dispensation. We wish to remind all affected parties of the following relevant deadlines and periods of validity of the ZEPs:

• Current ZEP holders: extended and valid until 29 November 2024.

• Current holders of ZEPs are entitled to apply for “new” Exemption Permits, which will be valid until 29 November 2025, but which will not be further renewable or convertible to any other visas or work permits.

• Current ZEP holders who have already applied for waivers and for other mainstream visas, do not have to apply for the “new” Exemption Permits; and therefore -

  • if a ZEP holder has applied for a waiver and a mainstream visa, he/she will be allowed to remain and be employed in South Africa, until they receive the outcome of their applications.

    
    

Holders of current ZEPs have the option to:

• apply for a “new” Exemption Permit (which will not be further renewable or convertible to any other visas or work permits); OR

• waiver applications in order to apply for general work visas, if they have not done so already prior to 29 November 2024.

  
  

Employers and ZEP holders are encouraged to consult with an Immigration Specialist in order to determine which permit or visa is most suitable and to apply timeously, so as not to run out of time before the date of expiration of the current permits in November 2024.

For any enquiries in this regard, please send an email to: henry@hasslefree.co.za 

For more information

NEASA Media Department

media@neasa.co.za

NEASA … the only labour law specialist an employer will ever need.