Zimbabweans seek interdict against SA banks, schools
The Zimbabwe Exemption Permit Holders Association (Zepha) heads to court this week seeking an urgent interdict to stop banks and schools in SA from harassing Zimbabweans who are under threat of deportation once the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) system expires in 2023.
Thousands of Zimbabweans living and working in SA under the ZEP system have been told by local SA banks to provide a valid visa or permit within seven days, failing which the matter will be reported to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) in terms of section 45 of the Immigration Act.
‘Our latest communication to customers who are ZEP holders aims to inform them about the most recent directive from the DHA and the options available to them,’ says Zepha legal representative Advocate Simba Chitando.
Moneyweb reports that 178 000 Zimbabweans have until June 2023 to apply for alternative visas or either leave the country voluntarily or be deported.
Chitando said private companies are capitalising on the persecution of Zimbabweans by offering to assist them in applying for visas they are unlikely to get because they do not qualify in terms of the DHA’s Critical Skills list.
Article disclaimer: While we have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this article, it is not intended to provide final legal advice as facts and situations will differ from case to case, and therefore specific legal advice should be sought with a lawyer.
