Tinotenda Hove – Zimbabweans living in South Africa are facing growing uncertainty after authorities signaled a tougher stance on the future of the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP), leaving thousands at risk of losing their legal footing while a deepening political crisis back home continues to drive migration.

Speaking on Monday, South Africa’s Deputy Home Affairs Minister Njabulo Nzuza made it clear that the days of relying on ZEPs are numbered, warning that permit holders must now fend for themselves through complex legal processes if they wish to remain in the country.

“Well, the Zimbabwean exemption permits, as the words say, were special permits that were issued to Zimbabweans under certain conditions that were there,” Nzuza said.

His remarks effectively confirm fears that Zimbabweans who fled economic hardship and political instability in Zimbabwe are being pushed into an increasingly hostile and uncertain immigration system.

“We have been renewing it over time, and even right now, we have been making a call that all those who are in that particular exemption permit should be looking at other legal pathways in which they apply for permanent residency or any other form,” he added.

However, critics argue that this so-called “alternative pathway” is unrealistic for many migrants who lack the financial means, documentation, or qualifications required under South Africa’s strict immigration rules.
Nzuza emphasized that there would be no blanket protection for ZEP holders, effectively shutting the door on any hope of automatic regularisation.

“And all those applications will be looked at in merit,” said Nzuza. “It’s not going to be a blanket approach where you say, well, all ZEP holders are now permanent residence holders. Each and every person must apply, and then we’ll determine if they qualify.”

The hardline position has sparked concern that thousands of Zimbabweans could soon find themselves undocumented, exposed to detention or deportation.

The situation is further aggravated by Zimbabwe’s ongoing political and economic crisis, which continues to push citizens to seek survival opportunities across the border. With high unemployment, currency instability, and contested governance reforms, many Zimbabweans argue that returning home is simply not a viable option.

Nzuza also appeared to take aim at asylum seekers, suggesting that some migrants exploit the system.

“But in the main, when we talk about economic migrants, there are ways in which you can come in if you are seeking to come and stay in the country,” he said.

“There are a number of visas that are available there, business visas and so on, rather than coming in because it’s easier to say, ‘I’m an asylum seeker, I’m running away from persecution,’ and then when you are in the country, you then want to say, ‘Okay, now I can go and be a permanent residence permit holder.’”

For many Zimbabweans, these remarks underscore a growing disconnect between policy and reality. As South Africa tightens immigration controls, migrants are left trapped between an unforgiving system abroad and a worsening crisis at home—effectively turning their search for survival into a battle on two fronts.