Press statement on the requirements for applications for exemption permits to be issued in terms of section 31 (2) (b) of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002
Introduction
1. On 29 November 2023, the Minister of Home Affairs ("Minister") decided to grant exemptions to the Lesotho nationals in terms of section 31 (2) (b) of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002 subject to certain terms and conditions. The decision was followed by directives issued by the Minister extending the validity of the exemption permits in respect of the Lesotho nationals to 31 December 2024 and in respect of the Zlmbabwean nationals to 31 December 2024.
2. The said directives were published in the Government Gazette nos 49813 and 49814 published on 4 December 2023.
Directives: Requirements for applications for exemption permits:
Lesotho and Zimbabwean nationals
3. The Minister has decided to issue directives setting out the requirements for applications for exemption permits to be complied with by the affected Lesotho and Zimbabwean nationals. The directives are annexed hereto marked "A" and "B". The directives will be published in the Government Gazette on Monday,18 December 2023.
4. VFS GLOBAL has been instructed to prioritize the applications for exemption permits and all necessary practical steps are being taken together with officials of the Department of Home Affairs ("DHA") to give effect to the decisions of the Minister in this regard.
5. The Minister once more calls upon all the affected Lesotho and Zimbabwean nationals to apply for exemption permits without any further delay.
All media enquiries must be directed to:
Thabo Mokgola (Spokesperson for the Minister of Home Affairs
Cell: 060 962 4982
