The Department of Home Affairs has dismissed claims that Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) holders are now eligible to apply for permanent residency in South Africa. The department said the confusion arose from unclear comments made by a Home Affairs official during a recent interview, which were misinterpreted as indicating a policy change.
Spokesperson Thulani Mavuso clarified that no such changes have been made to immigration policy. He said the ZEP remains a temporary permit and does not automatically lead to permanent residency. Instead, holders must apply for mainstream visa categories they may qualify for, such as critical skills visas, if they wish to pursue long-term residency in the country.
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