In a latest development, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Ambassador Frederick Shava has told Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) holders that Zimbabwe is ready to welcome them back from South Africa.
He said this after the third session of the Bi-National Commission (BNC) between Zimbabwe and South Africa. Shava met with South African International Relations Minister Dr Naledi Pandor.
Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Frederick Shava offered no hope for the extension of Zimbabwe Exemption Permits (ZEP) after saying the country is ready to welcome back its nationals from South Africa. He encouraged Zimbabweans in South Africa to be law-abiding.
Frederick Shava said:
The Zimbabwe Exemption Permit will expire at the end of this year. Its expiry is naturally causing much anxiety to the holders of this permit. Our two governments must work closely in the implementation of this decision. We are ready to receive our nationals back home. At the same time, I would like to reiterate our appeal to Zimbabweans in South Africa to observe and respect the laws of South Africa. It is a must for each and every Zimbabwean to promote and protect the good image of Zimbabwe wherever they are. We condemn all and any form of criminality on the part of our nationals in South Africa
He also encouraged Zimbabweans in South Africa to regularise their paperwork before the expiry of the ZEP. South Africa’s Minister of International Relations Dr Naledi Pandor concurred with her Zimbabwean counterpart. She said:
I really would encourage all holders of the ZEPs to take the step to regularise. Time is running short, it’s up to end of December this year and it’s important to apply so that applications are appropriately considered so that appropriate permits would then be properly processed
