Home Affairs Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has extended the validity of Zimbabwean exemption permits until 30 June next year. The initial expiry date was 31 December.
In a statement late on Friday night, Home Affairs announced that it had extended the Zimbabwean Exemption permit from December 31, 2022, to June 30, 2023.
The permits granted to Zimbabweans who moved to SA before 2009 were set to expire at the end of this year.
On Friday evening, the department said it had appointed a departmental advisory committee to assess the visa applications lodged by affected Zimbabwean nationals.
Siya Qoza, the home affairs spokesperson said the minister acted on the recommendation of the advisory committee led by Dr Cassius Lubisi.
Motsoaledi said he received a report from the committee recommending he consider extending the deadline for affected Zimbabwean nationals to apply for visas or waivers by a further six months.
“The minister has carefully considered the request and decided to extend the period by a further six months, that is December 31, 2022, to June 30, 2023. Another factor considered by the minister is that few Zimbabwean nationals have thus far applied for visa and/or waivers,” the department said.
The department on Friday called on affected Zimbabweans to make use of the extension and not wait for the last moment to lodge their applications as no further extensions will be granted.
Source: Times Live, News24, IOL, image from Twitter