Please follow and like us:

A new three year permit for Zimbabwean nationals wishing to stay in South Africa was released on Tuesday.

During the past few weeks many Zimbabweans based in South Africa were panicking following an announcement the country would be introducing tough measures for immigrants.

SA’s Home Affairs Minister Mr Malusi Gigaba told journalists in Pretoria that the Zimbabwe Special Dispensation Permit (ZSP) will allow permit-holders to live, work, conduct business and study in South Africa for the duration of the permit, which is valid until December 31, 2017.

According to Gigaba applications are due to open on October 1 and will close on December 31.
The process will be managed by Visa Facilitation Services (VFS)

This programme is set to replace the Zimbabwe Dispensation Programme which commenced in May 2009.
The South African Cabinet approved the new permit last Wednesday following his engagement with his Zimbabwean counterpart Cde Kembo Mohadi.

“The approaching expiry date has caused anxiety for many permit-holders, particularly those who are not ready to return to Zimbabwe, as they contemplate their next steps,” he said.

“While we note the ongoing political and economic recovery in Zimbabwe, consistently supported by the South African government, we are aware that it will take time for her to fully stabilise.

“Accordingly, I announce today, the closure of the Dispensation for Zimbabwe Project, as of 31 December, 2014. Furthermore, I hereby announce the creation of the new Zimbabwean Special Dispensation Permit of 2014, or to use the acronym, the ZSP.”

DZP permit-holders who wished to remain in South Africa after the expiry of their permits are able reapply for the ZSP, subject to conditions which include a valid Zimbabwean passport, evidence of employment, business or accredited study and a clear criminal record.

Please follow and like us:

Comments

comments