During 2021 the Department of Home Affairs conducted an investigation at South African Embassies and Consulates around in countries abroad and found alarming inconsistencies with regards to the adjudication of applications.
On 25 November 2021, the Cabinet has announced that no further concession will be allowed and as such ZEP holders will no longer be able to extend their permits in terms of this special dispensation. The Department of Home Affairs have granted a 12-month grace period from the current ZEP expiry to allow permit holder to apply for a visa in a different category to allow them to legally reside in the country.
The government’s official Critical Skills List was fully released in February this year and, already, an adjusted list was published earlier this month. However, employers cannot afford to become complacent.
On 11 August 2022, the Minister of Home Affairs Aaron Motsoaledi announced a massive change for passports in South Africa.
A recent article by News24 reported on the arrest of two farmers with 39 undocumented Mozambican nationals on their premises. Both farmers are currently being held in custody on 18 charges, including human trafficking, and have again been denied bail at their hearing earlier this week. The decision is currently under appeal.
