The South African Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has announced a significant update to the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) process. Moving forward, ZEP holders will receive their visa waiver outcomes digitally, via email in PDF format. This change eliminates the need for applicants to visit a VFS Global branch to collect physical copies, streamlining the entire process.

South African Home Affairs Department rolls out digital Zimbabwe Exemption Permits (ZEPs), simplifying the application process and improving service delivery for applicants.” Photo Credit: CityPress
South African Home Affairs Department rolls out digital Zimbabwe Exemption Permits (ZEPs), simplifying the application process and improving service delivery for applicants.” Photo Credit: CityPress

Benefits of the Digital ZEP Process

Convenience: Applicants can receive their permits directly via email, saving time and effort.

Efficiency: The digital process is expected to reduce the backlog of unprocessed applications, speeding up the overall issuance time.

Cost Savings: By minimizing the need for physical visits and paperwork, applicants can save on travel and administrative costs.

Transparency: Digital records help reduce corruption and ensure a more transparent process.

“South African Home Affairs Department introduces digital Zimbabwe Exemption Permits (ZEPs), making the application process faster and more efficient for all applicants.” Photo Credit: Hero
“South African Home Affairs Department introduces digital Zimbabwe Exemption Permits (ZEPs), making the application process faster and more efficient for all applicants.” Photo Credit: Hero

Accessibility: Applicants can access their permits from anywhere with an internet connection, making it easier for those in remote areas.

The Digital ZEP Issuance Process

Application Submission: Applicants submit their ZEP applications online through the DHA portal.

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Processing: The DHA processes the applications and verifies the provided information.

Outcome Notification: Once processed, applicants receive an email with the outcome of their application in PDF format.

Permit Access: Applicants can download and print their digital permits as needed.

This initiative is part of the DHA’s broader digital transformation strategy aimed at enhancing service delivery and improving user experience. By adopting this new digital approach, the DHA aims to make the ZEP process more efficient, transparent, and accessible for all applicants.