New SA Permits Relieve Zimbos

Source: ZIMEYE, 20/09/2017

Zimbabweans staying in South Africa have commended the host government
for introducing a new four-year permit known as the Zimbabwe Exemption
Permit (ZEP) for those wishing to study or work in that country.
The ZEP is valid between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2021, and
replaces the Zimbabwe Special Permit (ZSP) whose lifespan expires on
December 31 this year.
According to South Africa’s Home Affairs Department, the ZEP facility
is only available to 197 941 holders of the ZSP permit.
In separate interviews yesterday, Zimbabweans said the new development
brought about an end to months of speculation on reports that the
country was introducing tough measures for immigrants.
“This is a relief to the thousands of Zimbabweans who have endured
several months of speculation on their status at the expiry of the
ZSP,” said Mr Giyani Dube a representative of Zimbabweans staying in
South Africa.
“We commend South Africa for relaxing the application processes as
applicants don’t have to go back home to apply for the ZEP permits.
“I want to urge fellow Zimbabweans to take advantage of the
application window which is between 15 September and 30 November. We
are working together as teams in making the applications online and
also sharing vital information on the application process through
several media platforms.”
Mr Dube said although they welcomed the ZEP permits, they were worried
about the few others who will lose out since their ZSP applications
were still pending at the home affairs offices.
He said on the ZSP applications, details were a vital component for
one to apply for the new permits.
“We are also happy that the online application system is efficient
though there are a few technical glitches due to congestion.
“Naturally under such circumstances everyone would want to be the
first to apply before the window closes,” he said.
The Coordinator for ZSP permit holders, Mr Edward Muchatuta said they
were engaging the department of home affairs and Zimbabwean Consulate
in that country over the issue of pending ZSP permits.
Said Mr Muchatuta; “We are worried with the situation where some of
our members are yet to get feedback on the status of their ZSP permits.
“We are still compiling the numbers of those members who are likely to
be affected by this technicality. At the moment we have come together
as interested parties and are helping each other in lodging the
applications online and making appointment with the Visa Facilitation
Services (VFS).”
“This is a positive development considering that there has been a lot
of discord over the issue especially with the changing of ministers
from Mr Malusi Gigaba to Professor Hlengiwe Mkhize.”
Mr Muchatuta also called on Zimbabweans to comply with the new
immigration regulations and make sure that they get the requisite
documents needed for processing the permits.
The applicants are required to submit; a valid Zimbabwean passport,
evidence of employment (in the case of an application for work
rights), evidence of business (in case of an application for business
rights), and evidence of admission letter from a recognised
institution (in case of an application for study rights.)
In addition to the above, they must pay an administration fee of R1 090.
Home Affairs spokesperson, Mr Thabo Mokgola said the processing of ZSP
permits was concluded in 2014.
“The process was concluded in 2014 and those who failed to qualify at
that time were given the reasons and a window period to make
representations.
“Honestly we can’t take three years to process a permit. This is not
true at all,” he said.- state media