The now well-known Zimbabwean Exemption Permit has a longstanding history since it was initially implemented by the Republic of South Africa as the Dispensation of Zimbabweans Project in 2009. The objectives of the DZP were to provide Zimbabwean nationals who were in possession of fraudulently obtained immigration documents with amnesty, and to curb their deportation.
• No ZEP holder could be arrested, ordered to depart South Africa, or deported for any reason relating to the ZEP holder not being in possession of a valid exemption certificate in their passport. • on 2 September 2022, a six-month grace period was granted until 30 June 2023; and Deadline for holders of Zimbabwean Exemption Permits has been extended until 31 December 2023
Further to the directive of 7 June 2023, the DHA released a press statement in which the Minister’s reasons for extending the validity of the exemption permit were exemptions permits has been explained.