On October 8, 2025, the Ministry of Home Affairs announced the extension of the validity of the Lesotho Extension Permit (LEP) and the Zimbabwean Extension Permit (ZEP) until May 28, 2027.
According to the Minister’s Immigration Directive No 20 and No 21 of 2025,
- Existing LEPs and ZEPs remain valid for an additional 18 months after the current expiry date of November 28, 2025;
- No holder of a LEP or ZEP may be arrested, ordered to depart or be detained for deportation or deported for any reason related to not having any valid exemption certificate;
- LEP and ZEP holders can enter and leave South Africa provided they meet the other immigration requirements, except for the requirement to hold a valid visa.
- LEP and ZEP holders are not required to show a valid exemption certificate, visa or authorization letter when applying for a temporary visa under section 10(2) of the Immigration Act.
The LEP and ZEP allow Lesotho and Zimbabwe nationals to live, work and study in South Africa if they meet certain conditions. The ZEP was first granted in 2009 and the LEP in 2019.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.
