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Home Affairs wins big in court: ZEP Zimbabweans CAN be deported…

Source: The South African, 04/07/2022

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Tens of thousands of Zimbabweans could be sent back over the border, in just six months’ time �` Photo: Chris Robert / Flickr
Home Affairs have welcomed the withdrawal of an application to challenge a controversial ZEP policy being pursued by the ministry. On Friday, it was confirmed that a legal attempt stop over 178 000 Zimbabweans had fallen flat �` giving Minister Aaron Motsoaledi a huge boost.
What is the ZEP? Home Affairs in huge court victory
The Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) was given to tens of thousands of Zimbabweans who fled the country over a decade ago. The deteriorating economic and political situation back in 2008 forced many residents across the border to flee to South Africa.
They were welcomed in under the special ZEP route. However, Aaron Motsoaledi is hellbent on repealing this permit, and wants all Zimbabweans on these visas to reapply for residency through Home Affairs. Needless to say, this has caused an almighty stir.
Protests and criticism have been rife since the policy was announced earlier this year. Zimbabweans were given a grace period of 12 months to get their paperwork in order. Otherwise, by the start of 2023, they could be deported for remaining in Mzansi illegally.
Zimbabweans on ZEP visa ‘face deportation’
There will no doubt be more barriers for Motsoaledi and Home Affairs to come. But, for the meantime, another obstacle has been cleared, and the department will continue to try and enforce a policy that is rooted in contentiousness.
“The Department of Home Affairs welcomes the withdrawal of the application filed in court by African Amity NPC and Zimbabwe Permit Holders Association under case no. 51735/21 on 14 June 2022.”
“The matter involved the challenge in court of the decision of the Minister of Home Affairs not to extend the exemptions granted to Zimbabweans. Sense seems to have prevailed �` and the department’s doors are always open for constructive engagement with Zimbabwean nationals.”
Statement from Home Affairs
[READ] Press statement on the withdrawal of the application launched in the Gauteng division, Pretoria, in connection with the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit �` HomeAffairsSA 🇿🇦 (@HomeAffairsSA) July 1, 2022
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