South Africa's highest appeals court hears the Home Affairs case against ZEP holder protections tomorrow. A court order from June 2023 shields about 178,000 Zimbabweans from arrest until courts decide if ending the permits is legal. The government extended permits until November 2025, but it still fights the protection order.
Home Affairs claims permits were always short-term, and ministers can end them at will. They argue another court already ruled on this matter in a separate case that they also appeal. They reject any duty to keep permits active until Zimbabwe's economy recovers.
The Zimbabwean Immigration Federation says canceling permits harms families and lives deeply rooted in South Africa. Many permit holders have lived here for over ten years and built careers, businesses, and relationships. Without court protection, these people face job loss, education barriers, and family separation.
ZIF says most permit holders cannot qualify for other visa types, despite what officials claim. The permit program began precisely because standard visas were out of reach for most Zimbabweans. Daily threats of arrest loom for those whose legal status suddenly changes to undocumented.
Home Affairs claims permits were always short-term, and ministers can end them at will. They argue another court already ruled on this matter in a separate case that they also appeal. They reject any duty to keep permits active until Zimbabwe's economy recovers.
The Zimbabwean Immigration Federation says canceling permits harms families and lives deeply rooted in South Africa. Many permit holders have lived here for over ten years and built careers, businesses, and relationships. Without court protection, these people face job loss, education barriers, and family separation.
ZIF says most permit holders cannot qualify for other visa types, despite what officials claim. The permit program began precisely because standard visas were out of reach for most Zimbabweans. Daily threats of arrest loom for those whose legal status suddenly changes to undocumented.
