In a welcome development for thousands of foreign nationals and South African employers, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has confirmed that the Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEP) and Lesotho Exemption Permits (LEP) have been extended by 18 months, now valid until 28 May 2027.
The announcement, made on 7 October 2025, comes through Ministerial Immigration Directives No. 20 and No. 21 of 2025, issued in terms of section 31(2)(b) of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002).
The ZEP and LEP programmes were introduced to assist Zimbabwean and Lesotho nationals who have been living and working in South Africa, allowing them to do so legally without the standard visa requirements.
These permits were designed to ease immigration challenges and provide protection for individuals who might otherwise have faced uncertain legal status. Over time, the permits have been renewed or extended to reflect changing policy decisions and socio-economic realities.
The previous expiry date for both permits was 28 November 2025. With this latest extension:
For businesses employing nationals from Zimbabwe and Lesotho, this announcement provides welcome clarity and operational security. Many employers had been concerned about how expiring permits might affect their workforce — especially in industries relying on critical skills and long-standing employees.
Here’s what employers should note:
While this extension brings temporary relief, it’s crucial that employers keep up to date with Home Affairs updates and prepare for potential changes after May 2027.
This decision affects approximately:
who currently live and work legally in South Africa.
The extension not only safeguards these individuals from enforcement action but also ensures that employers retain skilled and experienced staff. A win for both the workforce and the economy.
Need Guidance?
For queries regarding exemption permits, employers and employees can contact the Department of Home Affairs Contact Centre.
If your business needs help managing immigration compliance, employment documentation, or workforce planning, the HR-Simplified team can support you in staying compliant and informed as the landscape evolves.
At HR-Simplified, we understand that employment compliance can be complex — especially when immigration rules shift. Our goal is to simplify it for you, so you can focus on what truly matters: your people and your business.
Access the official government directives here:
For more information on HR priorities and what your HR leadership needs to keep in mind to ensure the success of your business, contact us at HR-Simplified today!
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