Last Zim permits issued, says minister
WHILE the Department of Home Affairs has started issuing Zimbabwean Special Permits (ZSPs), Minister Malusi Gigaba has cautioned against countries burdening each other with their political, societal and economical problems.
The minister announced that the department was implementing various mechanisms like the ZSP to assist and deal with economic migrants, but was in no way treating other countries as though they would never be stable.
“We are not going to make a judgment on the economical and political situation of other countries, so the question of what happens to (immigrants) who are unemployed and in particular what will happen to holders of ZSPs once they expire, my answer is simply that that is a question that needs to be asked to those respective countries.
“It is unfair to ask us in South Africa to answer that question as we are not governing the republic of Zimbabwe,” he said.
The issuing of the ZSPs will continue until September 30.
Gigaba noted that of the 200 000 applications received from January to July this year, 185 075 had been approved and dispatched to various offices for collection.
“Of the applications received, 12 228 were rejected, and we have taken a proactive approach by instituting a review process, which is already under way, to ensure the final decision was reached fairly. Those who still feel that the rejection was not dealt with properly or needs to be reviewed would still be welcome to appeal the application, as we are not rushing that process,” he said.
“Certain requirements were needed in the approval of the permits, including that immigrants had to be employed or running a business or be studying, and to receive police clearance. “If they failed this, their application would be rejected. We will then advise upon final rejection that they repatriate to their own country, and will assist in cases where there is some difficulty in doing so,” Gigaba said.
The permits will be valid until December 31, 2017, and as from January 1, 2018, Zimbabweans would have to apply for a normal visa.
The minister urged all those granted the permits to collect them before the September 30 deadline, as all unissued permits would be returned to the department and would not be valid thereafter.