Visa Extensions for Lesotho and Zimbabwe Nationals: What Employers Need to Know
The Minister of Home Affairs has recently announced important extensions affecting foreign nationals working in South Africa. Lesotho Exemption Permits (LEPs) have been extended until 28 November 2025, following the earlier extension granted to Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) holders. While these extensions provide temporary relief for certain groups, they leave significant questions unanswered for other foreign nationals navigating the visa and permit process.
Extension Details for Lesotho and Zimbabwe Permits
Both the LEP and ZEP extensions give permit holders another year to transition to other visa categories, offering much-needed time to address their legal status. For the official announcement, you can access the Government Gazette here:
Challenges for Other Foreign Nationals
Despite these extensions, the situation remains uncertain for other foreign nationals, including:
Lesotho and Zimbabwe nationals without exemption permits.
Foreigners awaiting long-overdue visa or permit approvals.
Foreigners with pending waiver applications.
Many applicants have been waiting months or even years for their visa and waiver applications to be processed, leaving employers in limbo.
Tracking Visa Applications
If you’re an employer or employee looking to track visa applications, this can be done online using the VFS Global Visa Tracking System:
Track Your Visa Application
While the Department of Home Affairs’ online verification service has been suspended, visa verification requests can be directed to:
Email: VisaVerifications@dha.gov.za
For additional guidance, it may also be helpful to consult immigration specialists.
Employer Obligations: Ensuring Compliance
Employers must be vigilant when hiring and managing foreign employees. Proof of a pending application may not be sufficient, as employers are legally required to verify that foreign workers have valid visas or work permits. Failing to meet these obligations could expose businesses to legal action, especially in light of stricter enforcement measures aimed at undocumented foreign workers.
What Employers Should Do
Employers may encounter various scenarios related to the documentation of foreign employees. These include:
Foreign employees hired without proper documentation.
Expired visas or permits with no pending applications.
Expired visas or permits with pending renewal applications.
Forged documentation.
Documents that appear valid but require verification.
Each situation requires a tailored approach:
Assist employees in obtaining or renewing their documentation where appropriate.
Verify all documentation thoroughly to ensure authenticity.
Where non-compliance persists, consider the termination process carefully to avoid legal disputes.
Final Thoughts
While the extensions for LEP and ZEP holders are a welcome reprieve, they only address part of the broader challenge faced by foreign nationals and employers alike. Employers are encouraged to remain proactive in ensuring compliance with South African labour and immigration laws, leveraging professional advice where needed.
Disclaimer: The information provided is intended for general informational purposes only and does not serve as legal or professional advice. Chamlabour accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage that may arise from reliance on the information contained in this article.
For more guidance on managing foreign employees and workplace compliance, contact Chamlabour today.
