On 7 October 2025, the Minister of Home Affairs issued Immigration Directives No. 20 and 21 of 2025, formally extending the validity of the Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEP) and Lesotho Exemption Permits (LEP) until 28 May 2027. This 18-month extension provides continued legal certainty for thousands of foreign nationals living and working in South Africa, following months of uncertainty around the future of these exemption schemes.

Background to the Extension

Initially set to expire on 28 November 2025, the ZEP and LEP programmes were designed to regularise the stay of Zimbabwean and Lesotho nationals in South Africa, providing exemption from standard visa requirements. The decision to extend their validity follows ongoing consultations between the Minister of Home Affairs and the Immigration Advisory Board (IAB), which is currently assessing long-term solutions for these permit holders.

Legal and Immigration Implications

The extension provides several key protections for permit holders during the 18-month period:

No Immigration Enforcement: ZEP and LEP holders may not be arrested, detained, deported, or ordered to leave the country because of an expired exemption certificate.
Continued Mobility: Permit holders may lawfully enter and exit South Africa until 28 May 2027, provided they comply with other entry and departure requirements, even if their physical permits have expired.
Deemed Validity: All ZEP and LEP permits are automatically regarded as valid until the new expiry date – no reapplication is required at this stage.

Impact on Employers

The extension offers important operational and legal clarity for employers who engage foreign nationals under these permit categories:

Workforce Stability: Employers can retain affected employees without the need for urgent alternative visa arrangements, ensuring continuity of operations.
Compliance Assurance: The directives ensure that employment under the exemption permits remains lawful, reducing the risk of non-compliance with immigration legislation.
Strategic Planning: While the extension is a welcome reprieve, employers are advised to monitor ongoing policy developments as the IAB continues its mandate to propose sustainable, long-term migration solutions.

With approximately 178,000 ZEP holders and 54,653 LEP holders currently in South Africa, the extension provides crucial breathing room for individuals and employers alike, safeguarding livelihoods and supporting legal employment frameworks during a period of legislative review.

What Comes Next?

Although this extension offers temporary relief, the future of the ZEP and LEP regimes remains under review. Stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed on further announcements from the Department of Home Affairs and engage proactively in strategic planning for workforce management beyond May 2027.

We encourage employers, IR/HR professionals, and legal practitioners to engage with these developments and share their insights.