Zimbabwean Exemption Permit applications extended
The cut-off date was initially 30 November and was extended to 31 January in the hope that all those who had applied online would have made the necessary payment and provided the required supporting documents and biometrics
THE Department of Home Affairs has extended the closing date for payments and submission of supporting documents and biometrics for the new Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) to Thursday, 15 February.
The cut-off date was initially 30 November and was extended to 31 January in the hope that all those who had applied online would have made the necessary payment and provided the required supporting documents and biometrics.
By 29 January, a total of 176 605 applicants had completed the entire process, which includes honouring their appointments with Visa Facilitation Service Centre (VFS) and submitting supporting documents and biometrics.
ALSO READ: Zimbabwean permits to expire on 31 December 2017
The extension is only for submitting biometrics (fingerprints) and supporting documents to the VFS offices, as well as for those who have submitted online applications by 30 November, but did not pay the prescribed fee.
New applications will not be accepted.
The department plans to have completed the whole project, including finalising adjudications and issuing all new permits, by the end of September.
ZSPs expired end of 2017
The Zimbabwean Special Dispensation permit (ZSP), which started in 2014 with 197 951 permits issued, expired on 31 December 2017.
ZEP permit holders will be allowed to work, study or conduct business in South Africa.
The ZEP permits are valid for a maximum period of four years, effective from 1 January 2018 and expiring on 31 December 2021, notwithstanding the date of issue.
Exemption permits such as the ZEP permits, are not permanent or long-term.
They only serve a specific purpose with a view ultimately to have people returning to their countries of origin, to build their lives anew.
The KZN office for payment and the submission of ZEP supporting documents and biometrics is located on the 5th floor of the Musgrave Towers, Musgrave Mall, Durban.
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