Minister of Home Affairs, Aaron Motsoaledi, recently announced an extension of the Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP) and Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) for two additional years, until November 29, 2025. This move automatically benefits existing ZEP and LEP holders, saving them costs and time associated with extending immigration status. Initial applicants post-November 29, 2023, also receive extended validity until November 29, 2025, with the added convenience of an online application process through VFS Global.

The automatic extension addresses concerns over immigration status for nationals of Zimbabwe and Lesotho, allowing them to stay, work, seek employment, and conduct business in South Africa. Notably, permanent residence applications or status changes are not permissible during the Exemption Permit validity.

The background reveals the Department of Home Affairs' creation of Exemption Permits for temporary entry, facilitating business, study, or work for asylum seekers from Zimbabwe and Lesotho. While the original expiry dates were set for December 31, 2022 (ZEP) and December 31, 2023 (LEP), subsequent extensions were implemented.

Looking forward, Motsoaledi's decision comes after legal challenges, providing relief for approximately 55,000 LEP holders and 178,000 ZEP holders. The new permits, set to expire on November 29, 2025, enable permit holders to work, seek employment, and conduct business. However, they are non-renewable, and holders cannot apply for permanent residence or change their status in the country. The decision has been welcomed as recognizing the dignity of permit holders and aligning with constitutional principles.

Human Rights Day last year was marred by violent clashes between farmworkers in Robertson, South Africa, particularly involving nationals of Lesotho and Zimbabwe vying for jobs.

Claims of discriminatory employment practices allegedly favoring Zimbabweans sparked confrontations, leading to injuries, torched homes, and over 500 displaced Zimbabweans seeking refuge at the local police station.

Both nationalities exclude local Cape Coloureds from employment, though this is in part due to local employers' preferences for migrant labour, due to the reputation for a better work ethic.

The incident ignited a debate on the employment of foreign workers and raised questions about the government's control over immigration. Opposition leaders called for urgent intervention, emphasizing the challenges posed by illegal immigration, but the issues continue to simmer to today.