Deputy South African Immigration Director Jackie Mckay has urged Zimbabweans to start filling work, business and student permit applications October first in order to regularize their status in the country.
Mckay announced Thursday that the 295,000 Zimbabweans based in the nation, who obtained permits under the Dispensation for Zimbabwe Project in 2009, should start compiling the required documents in order for the Immigration Department to have a smooth rollout of the new Zimbabwean Special Dispensation Permit (ZSP) programme.
He said applicants are required to have a valid Zimbabwean passport; evidence of employment, business or accredited study; and a clear criminal record. Applications close on December 31st, 2014.
The applicants will be required to apply through a website authorized by the Department of Home Affairs and then pay 800 Rand for obtaining the necessary permits.
Out of 295,000 Zimbabweans who applied in 2009 for the permits under the Dispensation for Zimbabwe Project, just over 245,000 permits were issued, with the balance being denied due to lack of passports or non-fulfillment of other requirements. These permits begin expiring on December 31st, 2014.
The ZSP will allow permit-holders to live, work, conduct business and study in South Africa, for the duration of the permit, which is valid until December 31st, 2017.