THE HISTORY BEHIND THE ZIMBABWEAN EXEMPTION PERMIT (ZEP)
The Zimbabwean special dispensation started in 2009 and was called the Dispensation for Zimbabwe Permit (DZP). This allowed Zimbabweans who were residing in South Africa, to legalise their status for work, study or legal business without prejudice. This dispensation was issued for a five-year period.
Author
Mpho Ndimande
Expatriate Solution Specialist
In 2014 the permits were extended for a further three-year period until 2017, which were then called the Zimbabwean Special Permit (ZSP). This permit was only offered to those who already held a DZP, and no new applications were allowed.
The current Zimbabwean Exemption Permits were issued in 2017 for a further period of 4 years, which then expired on 31 December 2021. As with the previous extension, this permit was only offered to those who previously held both the DZP and ZSP, and no new applications were allowed.
In November 2021, the Minister of Home Affairs announced that they would no longer be extending the Zimbabwean special dispensation, and that those holding valid ZEP’s would need to apply for a mainstream visa.