Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber, has extended the validity of both the Lesotho Exemption Permits (LEPs) and Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEPs) until May 28, 2027.
This grants an additional 18-month reprieve for thousands of permit holders whose documents were due to expire on November 28, 2025. The directive on the extension of the validity of the exemptions was published in the Government Gazette on October 7.
The Minister announced that he had granted the extension pending the Immigration Advisory Board’s (IAB) conclusion on the immediate future and a long-term solution for holders of ZEPs and LEPs.
Xpatweb, head of immigration, Jaco Brits, welcomed the extension as it provided more certainty for affected ZEP and LEP holders who are living and working in the country.
“Over the years the ZEP and LEP issue led to several judicial rulings that declared its termination unlawful, unconstitutional, and invalid,” said Brits.
Schreiber reinstated the IAB on April 1, 2025 after almost a decade.
“A key function of the board is to review exemption permits. Since its reactivation, the IAB has met on several occasions deliberating the issue, but as critical stakeholders will need to be consulted before a final decision, the extension is justified,” he said.
The Immigration Act 13 of 2002, mandates the IAB’s advisory role in shaping immigration regulations and policies. It is seen a significant step towards addressing policy issues in a consultative, evidence-based and legally compliant manner.
According to Schreiber’s directive, all existing exemption permits are deemed valid for an additional 18 months after the current expiry date of November 28, 2025, effectively extending validity to May 28, 2027.
Permit holders may not be arrested, detained, or deported under section 34 of the Immigration Act for lacking a valid exemption certificate.
Exemption holders are allowed to enter and exit South Africa in accordance with section 9 of the Act and the Immigration Regulations, 2014, provided all other travel conditions are met.
LEP and ZEP holders may apply for any category of visa without presenting a valid exemption certificate, visa, or authorisation letter.
“The extension offers temporary relief to permit holders while the consultation process and deliberations on the future of the LEP and ZEP system continue, but affected permit holders are encouraged to explore long-term solutions,” he said.
This includes applying for mainstream work visas or other applicable permits to secure their legal long-term status in the country.
