As ZEP permit holders, one of the conditions stipulated on the permits was the inability to change status to a mainstream visa within South Africa. Applications for change from ZEP permits to mainstreams have been submitted through the SA Mission in Zimbabwe, which meant:
- One had to travel to Zimbabwe for the submission of the application
- A formal request for the passport would need to be made at submission to enable the applicant to legally travel back to SA whilst the application is in process
- The applicant would need to travel back to Zimbabwe for the endorsement of the passport with the visa upon finalisation of the application
Apart from the financial implications of the process, the logistics involved in this process have been quite cumbersome for many.
Now with the announcement by cabinet last week to discontinue the ZEP permits, but still according to the holders thereof the opportunity to apply for mainstream visas within the 12-month grace period, a further directive has been passed allowing for submissions of the new applications within
South Africa.
This is great news for many as this:
- Reduces the financial costs of having to travel to Zimbabwe for the submission of the application, and then travelling back again for the collection of the outcome and passport endorsement
- Minimises the disruptions in terms of work/business activities as one may continue staying in SA whilst their application is under process
- Reduces the health risks as well as we are still during a pandemic
If you are on a ZEP permit and would like to change to a mainstream visa, for an assessment to
advise you on your options please click on the link below and we will contact you.
