By Charmaine Ndlela
The Department of Home Affairs has moved to clear up confusion over the status of Zimbabwe Exemption Permit holders, saying there has been no change in policy and that current permits remain valid until late May 2027.
The clarification follows recent reports sparked by remarks made by Deputy Minister Njabulo Nzuza in a television interview on Newzroom Afrika.
ALSO READ: EXPLAINER| Why Julius Malema walks free – for now
In a statement issued this week, the department said ZEP holders do not qualify for permanent residence under the conditions of the current permit.
It said Nzuza’s interview, which dealt with the revised White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection, had been misinterpreted in some media reports.
Home Affairs said it wanted to state “categorically” that there had been no policy shift on ZEP holders.
The ZEP programme has been under legal and political scrutiny for years.
You’ve reached your free article limit
Subscribe to enjoy unlimited access to trusted journalism. Start your free trial today.
Start your FREE trial nowNeed help? molokom@insideeducation.co.za
