The Minister of Home Affairs, Dr. Leon Schreiber, has extended the validity of both the Lesotho Exemption Permits (LEPs) and Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEPs) until 28 May 2027, granting an additional 18-month reprieve for thousands of permit holders whose documents were set to expire on 28 November 2025.

Jaco Brits, Head of Immigration at Xpatweb, welcomed the extension as it provides more certainty for affected ZEP and LEP holders.

The Directive on the extension of the validity of the exemptions was published in the Government Gazette on 7 October 2025. 

The Minister announced that he granted the extension pending the Immigration Advisory Board’s (IAB) conclusion on the immediate future and a long-term solution for ZEP an LEP holders of LEP permits.

Over the years the ZEP and LEP issue led to several judicial rulings that declared its termination unlawful, unconstitutional, and invalid. 

Schreiber reinstated the IAB on 1 April 2025 after almost a decade. A key function of the Board is to review exemption permits. Since its reactivation the IAB has met on several occasions deliberating the issue, but as critical stakeholders will need to be consulted before a final decision, the extension is justified.

The Immigration Act 13 of 2002, mandates the IAB’s advisory role in shaping immigration regulations and policies. It is seen a significant step towards addressing policy issues in a consultative, evidence-based, and legally compliant manner.

Key Directives from the Minister

1. Permit Validity Extension

All existing exemption permits are deemed valid for an additional 18 months after the current expiry date of 28 November 2025, effectively extending validity to 28 May 2027.

2. No Arrests or Deportations

Permit holders may not be arrested, detained, or deported under section 34 of the Immigration Act for lacking a valid exemption certificate.

3. Freedom of Movement

Exemption holders are allowed to enter and exit South Africa in accordance with section 9 of the Act and the Immigration Regulations, 2014, provided all other travel conditions are met.

4. Visa Applications Permitted

LEP and ZEP holders may apply for any category of visa under section 10(2) without presenting a valid exemption certificate, visa, or authorisation letter.

The extension offers temporary relief to permit holders while the consultation process and deliberations on the future of the LEP and ZEP system continue but affected permit holders are encouraged to explore long-term solutions, including applying for mainstream work visas or other applicable permits to secure their legal status in South Africa long-term.

Written by Xpatweb