Thousands of Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) holders in South Africa should note that this temporary exemption permit do not allow for them to directly convert to becoming permanent residents, despite recent suggestions to this effect.

It has been widely reported as such following a Newzroom Afrika interview with Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Njabulo Nzuza on Monday, 13 April 2026, but there has been no official communication by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) to substantiate this notion.

Shirley Khunou, Immigration Consultant at Xpatweb, says direct conversion to a Permanent Residence (PR) Permit for ZEP holders is not an option, even though they may have held this permit for years. 

“Instead, ZEP holders must first transition into a qualifying mainstream visa category before becoming eligible to apply for permanent residence under South Africa’s standard immigration framework. These categories typically include Critical Skills Work Visas, General Work Visas, Business Visas or Relative’s Visa to name a few.”

These are currently among the most common pathways for ZEP holders to obtain PR in South Africa. 

Khunou notes that each of these categories carries eligibility requirements such as qualifications, employment offers, financial thresholds, and compliance with immigration regulations. 

No Change to Government Policy

The Deputy Minister said that ZEP holders may pursue permanent residence by transitioning into standard immigration pathways. While this reflects the Department’s position, it is important to distinguish between legal possibility and practical accessibility.

Nzuza’s remarks seem to have been misinterpreted creating the impression that ZEP holders can now directly apply for permanent residence.

“This is actually not the case,” emphasises Khunou “as the conditions of the ZEP still includes that the permit holder cannot directly apply for permanent residence in South Africa and has to explore other pathways first.”

While the pathway of PR is legally recognised, it is not a direct or simplified process for most ZEP holders. 

The Deputy Minister in the interview did mention ZEP holders should follow other pathways and once approved, they can then proceed to applying for PR. He also reiterated that all applications will be assessed on individual merit and that there is no automatic or category-wide approval process.

Khunou explains: “Once a qualifying visa is obtained and where applicable, maintained for the required period, applicants may then proceed to apply for permanent residence, provided they meet all statutory requirements, including lawful continuous residence and financial and professional stability as may be required.”

ZEP Was Always Temporary

Nzuza said the ZEP system was always meant as a temporary measure and for years have been providing legal status to thousands of Zimbabwean nationals residing and working in the country. 

Alongside the Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP), the ZEP was introduced as a special dispensation to regularise undocumented migration flows and provide interim relief while longer-term policy solutions were considered.

In October 2025 the validity of both the ZEP and LEP was extended until 28 May 2027. 

Unclear Messaging Should Not Create False Hope

Although the extension of the ZEP until 2027 provides important interim relief and legal certainty, it does not alter the fundamental immigration framework governing permanent residence. 

“The established legal pathway remains in place. Valid ZEP holders cannot directly convert to PR but are encouraged to transition to a temporary residence permit, such as a work visa, before applying for permanent residence,” Khunou says.

The correct pathway remains a structured, step-by-step process: transitioning from a ZEP to a qualifying visa category and thereafter applying for permanent residence under existing immigration law. 

ZEP holders are therefore encouraged to proactively assess their eligibility for alternative visas to ensure long-term legal stability in South Africa.

Written by Xpatweb