Following the court judgment that the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) will remain effective until November 29, 2025, the National Employers’ Association of South Africa (Neasa), is urging all permit holders to obtain alternative visas as soon as practicably possible.

Last week, the Constitutional Court dismissed Minister of Home Affairs Aaron Motsoaledi’s appeal against last year’s High Court judgment, which found that his decision to scrap the ZEPs was procedurally unfair and infringed on the constitutional rights of ZEP holders.

Motsoaledi must now comply with the High Court order.

Neasa said this was a positive development for affected employers and employees.

“Although these visa applications may take up to a year to be processed, especially in cases where waiver applications are required prior to application for a general work visa, Neasa has received confirmation from immigration specialists that most waiver applications are being granted,” it said.

Neasa explained that the approved waiver applications will allow these ZEP holders to submit their applications for general work visas, which can be issued for up to five years.

It advised ZEP holders, or any foreign national employee, regardless of their current type of permit, to consult with an immigration specialist, to determine which permit or visa is most suitable.