South Africa Clarifies ZEP Holders' Permanent Residency Ineligibility

South Africa's South Africa===Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) has issued a clarification stating that holders of the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) and Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP) do not qualify for permanent residency. This statement follows confusion caused by remarks made by Deputy Minister Njabulo Nzuza during a television interview. The South Africa===Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) emphasized that the permits have been extended until May 29, 2027, and a public consultation process is underway to develop a long-term, legally sound policy framework. A final position is expected to be submitted to the South African Cabinet by the end of the 2026/27 financial year. The clarification aims to prevent misinformation and anxiety among permit holders, reiterating the government's commitment to a fair and sustainable solution, partly in response to a court ruling following a challenge by the Helen Suzman Foundation.