Africa (Commonwealth Union) _ A temporary reprieve has been granted to tens of thousands of Zimbabwean nationals working in South Africa, who were facing deportation as their work permits were set to expire at the end of June. South African authorities extended the deadline, allowing about 178,000 holders of the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) until the end of December to apply for other visas and waivers to continue working in the country. The ZEP was issued in 2010 to Zimbabweans who had migrated to South Africa, with many seeking refuge following political and economic challenges in Zimbabwe.
The extension comes as Zimbabwe continues to face economic difficulties, including high unemployment, soaring food prices, and a struggling currency. The decision was made after the South African Home Affairs Minister, Aaron Motsoaledi, considered factors such as the high number of daily applications for visas and waivers from Zimbabweans seeking to extend their stay. Under the extension, ZEP holders are protected from arrest, deportation, or detention for not having a valid exemption certificate.
Civil society groups had previously taken the South African government to court, urging an extension of the deadline to provide applicants with more time to acquire legal documentation. The Zimbabwe Community in South Africa welcomed the extension and emphasized the need for affected individuals to transition to mainstream work permits during this period. Many of the Zimbabwean nationals affected by the permits are long-term residents who have worked in various sectors and financially support their families back home. The departure of a significant number of Zimbabweans from South Africa would have economic consequences for Zimbabwe, as they contribute to the country’s economy through remittances sent back home. It is worth noting that Zimbabweans will be participating in national elections on August 23, which have already seen allegations of violence and intimidation against opposition supporters by the ruling ZANU-PF government. The Zimbabwean Embassy in South Africa reported that nearly 10,000 Zimbabweans had registered for assistance to return to Zimbabwe by the end of June when the permits were originally set to expire
