Zimbabwean immigration documentation process explained
Home Affairs is opening up for Zimbabweans to become legal. which is good news
Pretoria – The Department of Home Affairs has reiterated the need for Zimbabweans seeking
South African permits for business, study and work to carry the correct supporting documents when they visit the departments’ offices.
There has been much confusion about which documents to carry along to complete the process, which has led to many Zimbabweans being turned away after standing in long queues to get their documentation.
The permits are being issued by the Department of Home Affairs, to qualifying Zimbabweans free of charge, in a process aimed at ensuring Zimbabweans comply with South Africa’s immigration laws and lead normal lives, while ending their misery of living under constant fear of deportation.
However, this process does not replace the normal processes related to the application for asylum.
Director General Mkhuseli Apleni on Thursday explained that according to the agreement between Pretoria and Harare, the Zimbabwean embassy in Pretoria and its consulates will assist with the issuance of valid travel documents to Zimbabwean nationals residing in South Africa.
Long queues and confusion for Zimbabweans immigrating to South Africa
Zimbabweans would then take the travel document together with supporting documents to any of the 46 regional Home Affairs offices in all the nine provinces.
There they would be given a form and have their finger prints taken. Applicants will be informed via sms of the status of their application.
Explaining what is meant by “supporting documents” Apleni said: “If you’re a domestic worker, your employer must submit an affidavit (stating employment). If you are doing business you need to produce proof of your business operations.”
He called on South African businesses and learning institutions to provide Zimbabwean students and employees with affidavits verifying their status.
“In this regard, we wish to assure South African businesses and employers that no punitive measures will follow such declaration of their employees.” This is in regard to work permits for South Africa.
Reports indicate that most Zimbabweans were going to the home affairs’ offices to enquire about the process without having the necessary documentation – which has led to chaos.
The department’s data has indicated that at its Johannesburg Harrisson office alone, 1100 stood in queues only to enquire about the documentation process, with only 141 lodging applications.
This is compared to the 116 enquires in Vereeniging, 158 in Randfontein and 197 in Soweto. Germiston had 120 enquiries while Springs had 158 enquires.
Apleni said their regional offices were strained because people where going there without the necessary supporting documents, which then caused confusion.
To minimise this, the DG, encouraged people to call the free call centre at 0800 864 488 or 0800 601 190 or email: zimbabwean.enquires@dha.gov.za to clarify any confusion.
Over 200 home affairs officials have been deployed, both at headquarters and throughout the provinces, to facilitate this process.
However this number may increase depending on the volumes of applicants who will come forward to the home affairs offices where dedicated lanes will be set for this purpose.
Many Zimbabweans immigrated to South Africa illegally, something which Home Affairs is now taking steps to control and rectify
The department will also implement a queue management system to ensure that officials attend to as many people as possible, said Apleni. This in addition to the monitoring system that has been put in place to identify problems in the regions.
The documentation and amnesty process will end on December 31. Despite concerns about the short time allowed for the permit application process, Mr Apleni did not indicate whether there would be an extension.
Hie , am a girl aged 21 . Am 4rm zimbabwe . I want to study in south africa , l need a study permit so that they can admit me in colleges . I need help on hw 2 obtain a permit
You can apply for a study permit once you have secured a place at a South African educational institution. You also need to show proof of sufficient funds. Once you have found what and where you want to study, and you have applied and are accepted, please contact us.
How I get a work permit & residence permit visa.
I have done Telecom Engineering & I don`t have work experience.
I am from Pakistan & I am 24 years old.
Ask your question on our forums:
http://forum.immigrationsouthafrica.org/
It’ good to know that there is a resourceful website like this. It’s very informative and the answers are straight to the point. Keep it up.
my passport no BN955768
REF; 1000105192
I have not yet recieved my permit that l applyed on the 23/09/2010
l just wanted to no why
Hi Vusani
Home Affairs is taking very long – try to go and get a Form 20 in your passport to allow you to stay in the country until the permit is finalised.
Hie there, i have a similar predicament to the last poster. I applied on the 23/09/2011 but still have not received my permit or any communication of an error. I call the 0800601190 call center often but they respond that they have no information on my query yet, my application appears to have been approved and from the system is held at the adjudication hub. Please may you help and advise if there are any further steps i can take in order to be able to secure my permit faster. Also please may you provide further information about the section 20 form you have mentioned and how can i get one?
Log in on our Forums and ask this question.
im a little bit concerned here, tell me the word ‘amnesty’ what kind of cases in particular is it covering? do people with criminal recerds based on fraudulent documents benefit?
To our knowledge, going there with fraudulent documents is what the amnesty is about, and the DHA should help you to get legal. However, we can’t comment on criminal cases and instances, and you will have to seek a lawyer’s advice on that one. Try Julian Pokroy – just type his name into Google.
may l please ask if someone was stamped the overstay or the prohibited persons -section 29(1) f but crossed the border illegally do they also qualify for amnesty or do they qualify for the permits under the zimbabwe dispensation programme?
You will have to ask Home Affairs this question. We understand that these permits are not connected to previous permits, so perhaps an overstay is treated differently. Please let us know!
where can i get this form 20 for my passport
Only from Home Affairs, or through a registered immigration practitioner who does this on your behalf.
one last question what are the requirements for this form 20 and how long is the process there i need to get it because my passport is about to over stay and with the december road blocks coming up next week i want to be on the safe side.Thanking you in advance for the much apreciated information.
I have been staying in SA for 7years on assylum, l have applied for a zim passport at the zim consulate but it’s still not out, what can l do to secure a work permit before due date, since zim passports are just delaying or not comin out?
Hi, there is nothing you can do without a passport. Does you Embassy offer temporary or emergency passports?
yes they do!
they offer only travel documents like the ETD.
Hi,
I am a student studying in South Africa. I am also working part-time. Which permit do you advise I apply for? work or student seeing I am doing both.? And what would be the requirements.?
If you study here, you are allowed to work 20 hours per week. If it’s more than that, you’ll need a Work Permit too, which could be very difficult to obtain depending on other factors. Try to work 20 or less hours – this will simplify things. If you can’t, please email us and we can refer you to an Immigration Consultancy.
good day
i’ve been in the country for past 15years.with the id for past 11years,have got wife 10years that i’ve paid lobola two kids and a bond house in my case how do i go about?i’ve applived for the passport stil no results please help!!
You will have to wait for your passport application to finish.
when does the home affairs close for permit submissions since holidays are here also?
Not sure about this, but usually from December 15 till January 15 there is very little movement.
I applied for a WORK PERMIT 5 months ago and havent received my permit neither have received the tracking number.what should i do. my passport number is AN 787650.
Tumelo, unfortunately permits are taking very long right now. We cannot check your permit for you, we are not Home Affairs. You have to get a Form 20 from Home Affairs into your passport.
Already got my work permit under the zim dispensation program….and now i would like to study…do i have to apply for a study permit again or …? 2ndly I would be getting married soon to my zim fiancee…does she have to apply for herself a permit or she gets a spouses permit? 3rdly…The permit stipulates the axact job i was doing during the time of application,please explain to me in the event i get a promotion or change field…does it matter …what procedures do i have to do to ensure compliance ?
Thanking you kindly
Norman,
For all three cases you will have to re-apply. Your wife cannot get a spousal permit since you are not South African. She might get an accompanying spouse permit because you are working.
Why would i have to apply for another work permit for each and every promotion i get when i already have one? I got diff responses from home affairs officials and yours makes it the fourth. One told me i should just let them know in the event of these changes. The other one told me i should just apply for change of conditions and lastly one told me it doesnt matter as long i’m still in the same field, should i change i should let them know. On that note….if promotion comes after 31 Dec 2010 …If i am to reaaply, im sure all special conditions granted during then will not be rolled back to effect the permit acquired during special dispensation project…making it much difficult or impossible to keep up with the law..meaning i will have to work that same job …no room to grow or develop for the next 4years. surely there must be some other way ! Help.
Hi Norm
You are right, it is possible that you wouldn’t have to re-apply, but then you’ll need to send us a copy of your permit. Sounds like it isn’t a standard Work Permit.
Send it to immigration@immigrationsouthafrica.org and we’ll tell you exactly what you can and cannot do.
For a study permit and for your wife, these are definitely new applications.
Hi, i have the same question as Norm, in my case i have already moved to a different company/field. I was told by one person that i’d only need to change my permit when its about to expire, someone else told me that i have to apply for a new one immediately, i’m confused. Please help…
5 of our guys applied for a work permit and haven’t received them yet. They did received a trucking ref number. Please can you assist me in letting me know when their permits will be
ready.
Trucking no:1000133873 Pass no:BN100475 Tapiwa Makopa
Trucking no:1000142177 Pass no:BN901964 Ranganai Dzvimbo
Trucking no:1000133775 Pass no:BN399010 Josphat Bhasvi
Trucking no:1000142175 Pass no:BN398895 Obey Mutenda
Trucking no:1000142187 Pass no:BN825641 Archford Nemukuyu
Regards.
S Williams
Presidential Furniture Pty
Hi Susan
We cannot help – we are not Home Affairs. You have to follow up with them.
Hi
I applied for a work permit under the special dispensation but i was told it would take up to 2 weeks it has now been 3 weeks and now they are saying it takes up to 30 working days. Please advise if I am allowed to travel and come back, as my 90 day just expired and i want to go home for Christmas
Unfortunately you should not travel.
to all those that have internet access they can check the status of their permits on the home affairs website because we have realised that their sms notifications is flawed or someone jus doesnt do his or her job. its 2 months now with my permit but but not sms that says come and collect had to call in to find out and relied on the website as well
Unfortunately the website does not work my friend. Calling and going there seems to be the only option right now!
Not sure what you mean here, but yes, calling Home Affairs and going to their offices is the only way.
Hello. I’d like to know if I will be allowed to travel out of South Africa once I have submitted my work permit application. I am waiting for the process to complete but would also like to leave SA for the festive season? Is this permitted or am I supposed to wait till the permit is out?
Many thanks
Technically you have to wait until you have your permit.
‘Technically’. this implies i could travel?
Just wanted to ask also the same question; because i was planning on traveling. so what happens if i go back there for just a week or so?
If you leave, make sure you have a VISA or permit (not just an application receipt) to return on.
Hi, I applied for a Permit three weeks ago under the Zim Amnestry but still haven’t received the Acknowlegement SMS and Reference Number. I submitted all the required documents. I am now worried as I can’t through the DHA enquiry website.
Hi
Thank you for this very helpful website.
I am working in SA and I submitted for a work permit in July through an Agency, before the new system was introduced recently. However, I still have not received my Work Permit back from the Agency. My question is with this new system, do I have to re-apply? Does it mean that any other procedure before the new system has been put on hold?
Sincerely
Sharon
Hi Sharon
We are not Home Affairs – you have to continue to try with them.
Please note: ImmigrationSouthAfrica.org is not Home Affairs.
We cannot assist anyone with follow-ups on their permits and cannot represent anyone for the current dispensation period.
hi whlist i waiting for my passport to come, should i use my reciepts to move around after the deadline to avoid deportation? pls advise me cos my life has been build here not in zim anymore.to be honest i dodnt have anywhere to start back at home,this is my new home now
I was applied 14October 2010 until now without reply how many days can I wait for permit i had received first sms
We cannot tell you, unfortunately you need to wait for Home Affairs or try to contact them.
i jus want 2 ask.so zimbabweans can no longer use assylum anymore.
1st Do l qualify to apply for resident permit?I been in South Africa over 10years but have worked & studied Electrical engineering in South Africa after my permit expired in 2002 after passport was stolen then l still continued but had to report to police then later applied for a valid passport in 2003 and payed for my overstay in 2006 as passport took about 7years for me to get it.
2nd I am legal in the country & do l need to process my work permit now as l want to submit my application next week before Home affairs closure.l’m now self employed subcontracting jobs in government & public sector.I did my police clearance & it takes 6-8weeks but l’m worried if home affairs would facilitate my work permit before they close.Please help!
Hi there
We will contact you by email for this comment, as we can refer you to someone who will assist you.
so if i dont have this form 20 am i in troubl elets sasy since i am waitng for my study permitt and my days just expired
If your permit has expired, and you don’t have a Form 20, you are illegally in the country.
BESIDE ALL THE COMPLICATIONS OF GETTING PROPER DOCUMENTATION.
I WOULD LIKE TO THANK & BE GRATEFUL FOR SOUTH AFRICAN GOVERNMENT WITH HOME AFFAIRS FOR THE WAY THEY HAVE HELPED ME TO GROW STRONG & DETERMINED TO BE A GOOD CITIZEN & MINIMIZE EVEN CRIME.
IT”S THE RIGHT THING TO DO FIXING ONES DOCUMENTS.I WOULD LIKE TO URGE FELLOW ZIMBABWEANS TO DO THE SAME.
HOME AFFAIRS MAY TAKE TOO LONG BUT LETS BE TRUE, BE A GOOD EXAMPLE,PATIENT & HELP THE OFFICIALS BY GIVING THEM REQUIRED PROOF OF ONES STATUS IN SOUTH AFRICA IN ORDER TO CURB CRIME & OTHER COMPLICATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH PEOPLE WITH NO IDENTITY OF ORIGIN.LETS NOT ALWAYS BLAME OTHERS FOR FAILURE TO FIX OUR OWN DOCUMENTS.
THANK YOU ALL SOUTH~AFRICANS WHO ARE CONTRIBUTING POSITIVELY IN HELPING PEOPLE STAY LEGALLY!
I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!
Please can you help me since I apply on 7th of oct 2010 untill now Im still waiting for another message I dont know how long i must wait .Now my 90days is almost to finish.please advise
We cannot help you, we are not Home Affairs. You have to continue to communicate with them.
will South Africa be introducing visas next year?? and what must I do my days are expiring on the 17th of December and my permit is not yet out
Not sure what is meant here, South Africa offers VISAs already. You need a Form 20 from Home Affairs to stay in the country legally.
Hi
Please can anyone tell me where the closest regional office for Zimbabwean Permits for South Africa near Centurion. Your help will be much appreciated.
i am stil waitting for my permit but my stamp is expiring and i’m sure that will be before my permit is out,should i leave sa or should i stay if i stay wont i face the consequences for over staing?
Themba, you would have to leave the country, unless you can go to Home Affairs and ask them for a Form 20, a document in your passport allowing you to stay until the outcome of your application is finalised.
My domestic has temporary asylum status which expires end Feb 2011. She has been to home affairs and they keep extending. I have just completed a letter stating she is employed by me so that she may apply for a work permit. Is there still a rush to have this done before end December 2010? Or do we have time until end Feb 2011 as per her document?
Yes, it is chaos, but you need her to apply before 31 December 2010 to get into the dispensation for the Zimbabweans, of which I assume she is one.
i have been in the country for 15years. i have local ID and have cars on installment and a business using the local ID. Now i need to apply for the new permit so that I can put all my business and cars in my proper name. My question is if i return my local ID, WILL I BE GIVEN THE TIME TO TRANSFER ALL MY BUSINESS AND CARS INTO MY PROPER DOCUMENTS? iS THERE ANY GUARANTEE THAT THEY WILL NOT FREEZE ALL MY ASSETS BEFORE I TRANSFER THEM TO THE CORRECT NAME.
rEGARDS
Please can you check the status of following persons. Annah Mavura tracking number: 1000253117. N Dugmoore Dongo tracking number: 1000252077
No, we cannot, we are NOT Home Affairs.
hi i would lyk to know if i can stil apply for asylum coz i dont hav a birth certificate or a zim id both were stolen
Yes, you can apply until the 31st of December 2010 at any Home Affairs office.
for an asylum?how long does the process take/
for an asylum?how long does the process take
It should be less than 30 days, but nowadays it can be anything.
hie,what documents are needed for a work permit ????????????please advice ASAP
There are many types of work permit, have a look on Work Permit South Africa. It should take 30 working days, but Home Affairs has been known to take VERY long.
i.m a Zimbabwean but resident in Botswana what do i need to know if i want to travel to SA end of the month coming back 07-01-2011
You will need a VISA, so you’ll need to apply for one at your nearest SA Embassy.
Im so confused about this form 20.my study permit is expiring on 31 december and im still waiting for my permit.do i have to go to the boarder get a stamp and come back so that i can be legally here.this permit story is so complicated.
With your receipt from Home Affairs, you will be able to leave SA, but on returning, you will have to have a visitor’s VISA to enter, while waiting for your study permit.
how do i find the status of my application of passport
You must find out at Home Affairs.
i have applied for a passport ande we filled in permit application forms at the zimbabwean embassy are these valid,
This is not a question for immigration to South Africa. It sounds fine though – you applied for a Zimbabwean passport at the Zimbabwean Embassy. Regarding permit applications, perhaps they are helping out?
Thanks all for communicating l finally submitted for the permit using my reciept of passport application, now l can wait for it to come out.
hie I heard that one can check for one`s passport application status online but i can not find the website will someone tell if its true and if it is please do provide me with the relevant website name
We have heard about this too, but haven’t found any link. If anyone has a link to such a system, please send it to us or post it here.
I submitted my application for a work permit without the tax clearance certificate and iam now afraid that my application may not be succesful.Is it possible to submit the tax certificate at home affairs so that they can send it to Pretoria?
It should be possible to submit it at Home Affairs, but you need to have your application number.
http://www.dha.gov.za
hie, i overstayed my visit while i was waiting for my permit, home affairs told us that we were not allowed to travel during that period, now does that mean i will be penalized for overstaying @ the border pliz help as im looking foward to travel soon.
Please help.
Me and my three (3) friends stood all day waiting to register for a Stay Permit.
On 20th and 21 Dec. 2010
We got turned away as there was too many people.
What do we do now as we only had two days to queue in Tzaneen Show Grounds
and never got the help.?
Please help. We want to stay in South Africa. We are so happy here working on a farm.
Albert
Hi Albert
You’ve got until the 31st of March 2011 now to apply – try again when there are less people.
Please help me Albert and my three friends to get a Permit to Stay in
South Africa. We are happy here, got work and want to stay.
Could not get finished in a long queue to register.
We have ID and Birth Certifikat.
l applied 4 my work permit last year (23-11-10) but by now no message has been send help me please
thanks for this site i have applied for a permit 08/10/2010 pass. no. BN074145,have received the 1st sms but the second one i haven’t received though i have tried to check with them a couple of times to no avail .if rejected they should inform us early so that we appeal early .i am working but have no contract to my attachment and .there also is a tendency of exploitation i have no obligation . please help!!!!
Please note that the deadline is now the 31st of March 2011.
Hey,
Say I am a student planning to work in SA next year, and my study permit expires this December 2011. Can I also apply for a work permit now or is it too early?
Please respond.
You can only apply for a Work Permit once you at least have a contract of employment. You can apply at any time.
I have applied for a Quorta Permit in the IT Field on 16 January, Am I not suppose to get a track number through sms, or confirmation to say that my application was received?
Where did you apply this one? I applied mine in the same field on the 31st of Jan at KWT and already have a confirmation number. Don’t worry that number is useless.. Just inquire of your application by using your passport number. Good luck. I also need it.. Home affairs has been a pain of late. Their tracking system is the most stupid one i have ever seen. Nothing comes out of it. LOL.
Hi.my father was a bOTSWANA citizen with a permaent re permit and a valid south african ID,he died in 2005.and i had a birth certificate that time.I went to home affairs last year,i applied for an ID.it was processed sucessfully.one day i decided to go and collect it.They took me to an interview room,asked me million questions.They said my certificate was bought,and took me to the nearest police station.I was then transfered to lindela and deported back home.Does that mean i cannot be a south african citizen? have i commited any crime ?because they didnt lay any charge but they confiscated my ID.
For check their useless tracking system, follow this link http://www.dha.gov.za then from there look to your right there is somewhere return Tracking so so.. (note use Mozilla/Firefox – Internet explorer doesn’t work). The tracking system does not do anything anyway..
helo i am ronald aged 21, and currently enrolled for LLB at UNISA, i need help. how do i get a study permit. i am currently using visitors’ permit which is expiring on the 30th of March 2011.
You cannot get a study permit for UNISA. You will have to think about a different permit.
My name is Sheillah Matsvimbo passport number BN831262.I submitted my study permit application in December 2010.I didn’t receive any text meaning the first and the second message&also ddnt get ref number.Im doing my grade 12& im worried because we are about to register for matric examplary exams.May you please sent me my ref number.I also want to go to Zimbabwe on the 7th of April and come back on the 12th April this year so i want to know if it is still possible to pass the border with a valid passport,my visa expired because i didnt get time to go to the border since you said when stamping the passport u hev 2 stay 4 sme days in zim&my application receipt like what was done last year.what must i do & i have to attend this family ceremony?
Your question is not clear, but if you do not have a permit or VISA, you can’t enter SA.
Please tell me all the documentation i need to obtain a work permit. I am a zimbabwean living and working is s.Africa, with an asylum seeker’s permit.
Hi i submited my work permit application on the 24th of December in Soweto dha they did not take our fingerprints but i have an asylum how long will it take to recieve a permit
It is impossible to guess how long Home Affairs will take.
Hi i applied a work permit last year December my corncern is that my days are almost over should i travel back and come back or i should stay and wait for my permit
If you don’t have your permit, but you have applied, just keep your permit application receipt and you can stay in the country.
l would like thank SA home affirs for a good job they are doind for us as zimbabwens thank you very much.
Thank you, but we are NOT Home Affairs.
Please clarify on the issue of 90days per year visits to South africa. Do they start counting the number of days of visits as from AUGUST 2010 or they start in JANUARY of each year. To date, my wife has used 80 days of visits since AUGUST 2010. If she wants to visit again in APRIL, is she going to be allowed only 10 days of visit?
No, you can only use these 90 days in one session. She will have to apply for an extension of re-apply or re-enter SA.
Hie. I am a lecturer at a University here in SA holding a Malawian passport (though left Malawi when I was very young. Have been living in Zimbabwe and Norway). My expecitional skills work permit expires 8 April 2011. I applied for a renewal about 2 weeks ago. I hear the permits are taking long. Do I have to leave the country adfter 8 April while I wait for processing? I also have been invited for a conference in Nambia in early May. Can I travel out of the country using the receipt from Home Affairs. Pls kindly asssit.
As far as we can see, yes, you can travel out of the country. But the law is changing all the time, and you may need to keep in touch with an Immigration Lawyer. Why not look up and give Julian Pokroy or Gary Eisenberg a call?
Greetings,
I would like to find out how many times the 90 day visitors visa may be used in a calender year. My ninety days expire this month. I am a student but I’m only required back in the 2nd semester (June). I would like to come back on a visitors visa and apply for my study permit so i’m wondering if i can make use of the 90 day visa again.
Thank you very much for your time
Technically there isn’t a limit, but Home Affairs will sometimes only give you 7 days if you return too quickly. For example, someone from the US stayed for 3 months, renewed for 3 months, then left for one day and returned and only got 7 days. So it’s a risk you have to take.
Am so confused and i dnt knw what to do.i applied for my permit using a passpt reicept and now my passprtt is out, i wld lke to knw if ts posible to travel using my documents.if it is i would love to knw which part of the border do i produce my documents .the south african side or the zim side.please help am so desperate.
To get in and out of South Africa, you need to worry about the South African side. Use your permit application receipt.
for thoz who want tn trace if there passports are out go to zimbabweconsulate.co.za
check with yr id no,cel no or yr pass receipt no
Sounds great, does it really work?
Hi,
I submitted my work permit application on the 18th of November 2010 at the Paarl Regional Office in the Western Cape.
I have not received my 1st sms (to date), but I have enquired via the Home Affairs call centre, twice a month, and the same answer I have been given on all calls made was that my application has not YET been captured, and I must wait for my 1st sms.
Last Tuesday (12-04-11), I enquired but probed a little more, and it turns out that they lost my application. As far as Paarl is concerned, they sent it to Pretoria; as far as Pretoria is concerned, they did not receive the application.
I had to re-submit a new application last Thursday, and was told it will not be treated with expediency. They weren’t even sure when they would courier the application to Pretoria and to whom, given that it is a duplicate application.
According to the call centre i cannot open a case without a reference number, but I cannot give them a reference number because i did not receive my 1st sms.
Do i have recourse on the matter?
Please let me know if you can assist as I am stuck and have no idea what to do next.
Hi Rue – we are not Home Affairs and cannot help. Paarl is actually one of the good centres – so it’s not good to hear that they slipped up.
my 90days are already up and i have got the reciept for my permit application and the ref no. my fear is whether they will recognise the receipt at the boarder and grant me a return entry. what should i do.
According to what they have told everyone, your receipt is all you need to re-enter.
hi i would like to ask a question.Does it mean that those who did not receive any notification from home affairs,conclude that our permits have been turned down?
Hi, i was granted a work permit under the Zimbabwean dispensation program, but the permit is only valid until the end of this month because that is when my passport expires,i Have since applied for a new passport and have it in my person. I need to know if you may help me go through the renewal process as i think with my experiences with the home affairs department, i will be sent from pillar to post as long as i don’t have professional assistance.
I last went out of the country in 2005 and now I have a permit in a passport that was last stamped in 2005. Will I get fined for overstaying if I want to go out of the country?
I received my work permit in February this year, and it expires in March 2012. So when must I apply for it’s renewal?
hi
i came to south africa in dec 2007 legally but due to the bad situation by that time couldnt manage to go back zimbabwe,so i ended up overstaying,then the time i went back to zim @ the border they chargd me R3000 penalty fee for overstaying so i couldnt manage to raise the money,but at the moment i now have a steady job as a branch manager here in SA and i applied for the work permit last and i got for four years went i back home they still demanded me to pay the penalty fee so if i pay it will my permit still be valid like before? please help me im confused.
You better pay the fine as soon as possible because the recent immigration law which is about to be implemented will effectively ban anyone who overstayed beyond the expiry date of their permits. My advice is pay this fine at Home affairs Dpt in Pretoria. They will understand you better. Those at the border are just useless. It’s a bit risk to pay at the border because they may put a black stamp on your passport and you wont come back until .. who knows.. Go to Home Affairs in Pretoria.. after all you benefited from the dispensation, they won’t revoke it.
Great advice – why not join our new forums:
http://forum.immigrationsouthafrica.org/
Had a work permit that expired on the 1st of April 2011, I tried getting a new one but the requirements were not easy to get so I opted for a visitor’s visa while sorting the paper work. I left for Zim before its expiry and came back on the 90 days visitors visa. Am working but still haven’t been able to do my work permit and now the 90 days are about to expire. I tried getting the special dispensation/amnesty one but I guess i was misinformed, was told they have since been closed but last year when I tried getting it they told me I had to wait for my current permit to expire and apply for a new one. Have two questions
1. Will I be able to get another 90 days while sorting out my work permit application?
2. Is there an extension on the special dispensation applications/amnesty?
There is no extension – now you have to get a real work permit. Also, you are working illegally and you’d better hurry to get a new work permit.
A work permit is not that difficult to get, so not sure what your problem is. Suggest going to an immigration consultancy – fill in our eligibility assessment on this site.
Good luck!
I applied and got my quota work permit in 2009 and it expires in 2014. My passport just expired. I know i have to get another one but i have been tied up at work. what do i do. Please help.
This is a bad situation! You’ll need a new passport as SOON as possible and then after you have the new one, immediately get a transfer of your permit into the new passport. It’s called a “passport landing”, and costs very little even if you do it through an immigration consultancy.
Being tied up at work is a silly excuse, and some people get deported by saying things like that.
i paid a repatriation deposit when i was applying for a study permit,now i have finished school where can i get the deposit that i paid.is it here in s.a or back home in zim
HI ,I have been a refugee ,due to not possible to travel by the refugee status ,i had also a permit in my passport ,,which help me to travel ,,now both of them will expire on july ,i am worried now about my finger print to renew my Refugee ,help
hie there
i went to home affairs on the 13th of december to submit my documents and today as i write here its been more than six months and i havent received any sms to come and capture my finger prints or the one that the head office sends to conferm that they have receved my documents . i have been there 2 times alrady and i was refused to enter the premisesand then now there is a rumer that says the department gave a press release on friday that saying that we can come and do fingerprints even if we didnt recieve any sms .so i went there thisd morning only to be sent back again .so ahwt step must i now take as we rae approching the 31july deadline
I want 2 know about passports.My Passport now expaired.Can i apply another one 4rm Zimbabwe Embasy?
Is it possible to submit my fingerprints in Pretoria when I applied for a permit in Port Elizabeth as i have moved to Mpumalanga now?
hi my name is Madowell, i applied for my work permit on the 30th of december2010. but now i lost my cellphone and im struggling to make a sim swap. is there a way to change my contact details?
I have a permanent residence permit employed.My girlfriend(not legally married) and child don’t have permits what kind of permits can they get
They can get permits based on a life partnership between yourself and your girlfriend. You should apply for this as soon as possible.
I am asking this question on behalf of my Christian Sister Mamokete Margaret Titing. She is originally frn Lesotho. She came to RSA lately in 1999. She was brought by her mother illegally. Since then, she attended schooling until her matriculation year at Winile Secondary School(GAUTENG,EASRAND ). Now ,her future cannot continue because she does not have an ID Document. Her mother’s permit seem to have expired. PLEASE hELP, WHAT MUST SHE DO. SHE IS EXTREMELY DESPERATE.
I’m 28 years old guy i have been using Asylum for 2years now, i was supposed to go and renew it 4months ago but i didnt because i was not well what should i do? can i go & renew it now please advise me.
i have been waiting for ma permit since last year i dont access to the bank what must i do
I am a bit worried as i applied for a work permit on 27 september 2010 my up to now i haven’t received anything or explanation. I have also made numerous trips to the Home Affairs in Pretoria only to be told its still pending in the system. The worst part is I am about to lose my job as my employer is asking about my work permit which is now close to a year since i applied. Please help as i am now in a desperate situation
Has anyone had a reply from Home Affairs recently?
I got a message from dha today confirming that you have received my application for permit. I read from previous replies of yours to our questions of relevant documents needed, but it wasn’t clearly elaborated. Besides my passport what else is needed of me? Please help.
We are not Home Affairs – you’ll have to contact them.
i came to RSA last year in study permit, 3 months ago after completing my studies i applied for work permit which is still pending, i already over stayed 5 days. Am i eligible to travel back home and re enter with the aknoledged of receipt. I phoned or tambo immigration they say yes and the dha calls center say a different story and according to ur previous reply on 19.04. 2011 ‘according to what they told ur receipt is all u need to reenter’. Regional office got no idea in this regard. Kindly tel me which is the right answer according to the current law .
MY son is 5yrs .last yr l could not apply him a study permit since he was not at sch. l got a permit but my son has a passport with no permit. l went to home affairs at Harrison was told to come with R3000 in order fo my son to get PERMIT. IS THIS A SCAM OR WHAT?
Hi’l would like to confirm my work permit kelvin munamato ref no:WYN 665/2011/DZP.which i last took finger print in june 2011,i have not receive anythng since then please HELP?
Hi . Desperately neeed your help. My 90days are due on the 27th of september. Shud I apply for a new visa or I’l still be granted more days when I re enter the country?
i submitted my work permit application on the 29th of december 2010 and up to now i havent heard anything from home affairs. my passport number is AN416974 and my application was done at the home affairs in jhb central. MY concern now is 2 days ago wheen i was leaving my place of work i got arrested for not having a permit… what am i suppose to do now cause i think i’m still on the waiting list
i must say i am really dissapointed by you. we cannot apply for our children’s grade one placesand dead line is end of september. this means our kids will be out of school next year. i have tried many times to find out the status of my permit which i applied for in december last year and i am always told the application is at the head office. for how long do we have to wait ?
if there is nothing coming up tell us in advance coz we losing time and patience
Agreed, it is shocking, but remember that this website is not Home Affairs, and we can only urge you to put more pressure on them to deliver.
I HAPPEN TO BE IN SOUTH AFRICA CURRENTLY VOLUNTEERING IN THE COMUNITY AS A MISSIONARY I CAME WITH A VISITORS PERMIT FROM INITIAL MY INTENTION WAS TO TAKE A SHORT COURSE IN BIBLICAL CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEW WHILE WAITING FOR MY VISA THE SCHOOL HAD STARTED RUNNING SO IT BECAME LATE FOR ME TO ATTEND THE SCHOOL AS A STUDENT. BUT THE ORGANISATION BY NAME YWAM IS NOT ONLY INVOLVED IN TRAINING BUT IS ALSO HOLISTIC IN ITS APROACH TO SERVING GOD AND HUMANITY THRU DIVERSE WAYS WAS IN NEED OF STAFF SO I APPLIED TO STAFF AND WAS ACCEPTED. I CAME IN.,. UNFORTUNATELY MY VISA EXPIRED AND I WENT TO THE IMMIGRATION OFFICE IN BARRACK STREET CAPE TOWN AND THE TOLD ME I HAD UP TO NINETY DAYS TO COME BACK AND START MY APPLICATION BECAUSE I WAS SUBJECT TO FINE.. NOW WANT TO KNOW IS IT POSSIBLE TO RENEW MY PERMIT AS I HAVE A HEART TO SERVE IN THIS NATION TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE WITH STRENGHT AND HONESTY…
Hi,
Could u Please advice me regarding my permit. My husband is PR holder and kids are citizens of RSA. since 2004, i was accompynying my husband as a relatives permit visa extending after every 2years. Now last year i did applied for extension, till now i haven’t recived visa, meanwhile they rejected my visa because of not submitting pcc & medical certificate. so we did resubmitted the required documents and appealed for that visa as per the homeaffairs advice. but still we haven’t received my visa from 6 months. And now my mother is sick with cancer and now i want to visit before something happens to her. And i can’t wait for long time after going there to back applying visa over there , because my kids have to go to school over here. so is there any emergency legal approach to go through this situation?
My husband is employed in johanesburg southafrica. He has a permnant job a a valid work permit. Its time that we move in as a family, me and my two kids. What type of permit do we apply for. I am a proffessional travel consult, have been in the travel industry for 4years now. At the same tyme acurrently in my first year with unisa, doing business management. I want a permit that will allow me to work as well ar further my degree program whilst am residing in southafrica. Which one is best for me.
I am a SADC student studying at UCT and need a study permit for postgrad studies next year:
1. can i apply without my birth certificate which is surrently in my home coutry if i have e.g. my ID etc?
2. will an letter to say that i have applied from the university at which i am studying be sufficient? without having obtained full acceptance?
Hi Immigration SA
Thank you for your advice to Zimbabweans. I applied for the permit and also went to take fingerprints, but since then it has been quiet. I went to the nearest Home affaires to ask for Form 20 and they said they don’t have it. Can l be deported whilist l have done all the requirements?
hie
My full name is Clinon Bhebhe i apply for the the Zimbabwe work permit in December 2010 i went back to take the finger prints in June 2011 in Septtember i had to move and work in china so i asking is there any way that i can get my it sent to me ?
If you are a Zimbabwean with a passport and you give birth in South AFrica. What documentation does immigration at the airport require to allow you to bring the child back home to process their papers.
hello,i am currently on a study permit which expires dec 31st and i dont wish to continue with the university after my bsc,i am going for a diploma in a private college to allow me get good understanding of logistics and setting up my own business.I have a offer for a diploma that starts april 2012,the home affairs has refused to take my application say i have a 4 month space and i can only apply from my home country when my visa expires or i should change my status to a visitor while i wait to apply,am a bit confused over this.should i change my status to a visitor while i wait to apply next yr febuary? Can i really change status from a study permit to a visitor and apply to a study permit again?
hey there, please help
i lost my passport which had a study permit in it. Now i have a new passport. I have applied for the permit to be transfered into the new passport and it is delaying. I need to go home since i am done with school now. I had a chat with a gentleman at the DHA and he told me that i just have to show the guys at the border the slip that i have applied and its pending. But later on i emailed the DHA and they said i will be fined and i shuold stay here untill i get the permit in the new passport. i thot the permit do appear in their systems! why would i be fined?? i am permited to study here, its only that the passport doesnt have the permit… Help please
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pLEASE GUYS, do help me. I wrote down my story in the forums and no one is helping! PLEASE
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Please Guys, I seriously need help,I’m a foreigner who is getting married to a south African,but it seems, I renew my permit 7 month ago and i hav not received it,i hav my acknowledgement of receipt can i use it for my marriage or do i hav to wait for my permit.. thanks in advance!
hi my name is shelly sibanda and i applied for my work permit on the 23rd of december2010.I got my first sms on the 22nd of june notifying me that you had recieved my application and since then until the present momment i have not got any sms advising me to come and get finger printed .thank you in advance and your help is sincerely appreciated.
I received a work permit on the Zimbabwean Dispensation Project. Now I am changing jobs and I will have new employers. I called Home Affairs and I was initially told that I would need to change conditions since I am working for a new company. When I went in to Home affairs in Harrison I was informed by one of the officials that if I was doing the same work I did not need to apply for change of conditions since the work permits do not state the company. I would like to get this in writing so I can show my new employers. Can you firstly please confirm that I do not need to change conditions and secondly, would i be able to get this in writing.
George Mandla Moeng and George Mandla Mabuza is a man with two Id’s of each of mentioned names.
Hie my name is Calvin Mathe Passport No Cn039448.I applied a work permit on the 17/12/2011.I submit all was needed,but i have left with finger prints.But there no notification or sms yet,any help please.(Thank you for your help.)
Hie my name is Calvin Mathe Passport No Cn039448 Venue Johannesburg Harrison.I appled for a work permit on the 17/12/2010 i submit everything but i haven’t finger prints and there is no notification or sms yet.Please help Thanks.
Hie – i want to suurender my asylum and apply for an ordinary work permit, how do i go about it.
i m a finally year student in bachelor of administration (public affairs) but i m non citizen.i use a study permit can i do ma internship in south Africa
Hi am a boy from nigeria,am 18yrs l want 2 study in south africa l need a study permit so that they can admit me in their colleges.l need help on how 2 obtain a permit.
iam stiil waiting for my study permit to come out nd i need to travel out of the country.can i use the home affairs application receipt and when i come back i wont get problem at the airport since iam from a free exempt visa country
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Can u help me please I applied an permit last year till now I don’t hav it I’m stil waiting I thought I made a mistake on filling that form my ref no is 1000380082 I gues I made a mistake on my form
Please ask this in our forums here:
Immigration Forums
hi there
can some body tell me if one appeals against DHA REJECTION how long does it take to get result from the appeal or at least info or sms
Hi, I am on a business permit in SA which expired on the 13th of Feb, but my company submitted an application before it expired and they said it could take up to 3 weeks. Now, I am getting married in France on the 3rd week. My question is, can I travel out for my wedding and come back when the case i decided?
Thanks
I had a work permit processed on my passport which, to my surprise, turned out to be irregular. I was asked to pay a fine of 3000 rands which I have paid in Harare, Zimbabwe. Does anybody know the implications of this in respect of my ability to return to South Africa and regularization of documentation
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Why is it taking so long to transfer some work permits form old passport to a new one forn last year June 2011 until now still waiting. 27 February 2012
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how do i get a citizenship
I am so impressed with the way questions are answered on this thread. My question is:
I applied for asylum seekers permit in dec 2009 and it was granted with 6months expiry. I renewed it in June, after it’s expiry and got additional 6months. Before it expires in December 2010, I applied for a work permit, unfortunately, It was rejected and I made an appeal immediately, in May 2011. I was told I could choose to remain in RSA until a final decision has been made. However, I did not renew my asylum seekers permit as I do not know I have to keep it valid until i get another permit. Now, It’s already over a year that my asylum seeker’s permit had expired> I need to register my RSA citizen child in my name and needs a valid permit to do many things but since the permit ‘hangs’ there, and I was told it could take years, I really don’t know wat to do.
Will I be able to renew my asylum permit?
Will I be able to apply for spousal permit since I and my girlfriend has been staying together for over a year and we have a baby.
Can I apply for insertion of father’s details in my child birth register without a valid permit, considering my status?
Pls, kindly assist in this regard, I am really confused.
Thanks
I HAVE LOST MY PASSPORT , SO MAY YOU PLEASE HELP ME WITH THE DETAILS REQUIRED FOR ME TO OBTAIN A NEW PASSPORT AND PERMIT AGAIN.
My name is Ashana Wahab – i need your help please …. my husband is from Pakistan – he is currently holding a Relative permit in South Africa – we have to fly to Pakistan in January 2012 as his mother is not well and is currently on her death bed
He has not yet received an outcome of his application from Home Affairs as yet to extend his Permit ….. the Department has issued him with a letter ( immigration directive no 43 of 2010 ) – please advise if he will have a problem when we leave South Africa or when we re-enter into SA ??? ( This application was done at the Rustenburg Home Affairs )
Should we postpone the trip pending the outcome or will this letter Suffice.
we need to leave urgently – but cannot this application was done in september 2011
Ashana – 074 265 6911
Wahab – 074 711 6301
Your most urgent response would be highly appreciated.
We cannot do this, you must call Home Affairs on 0800 601 190.
please help am in pretoria ,but just discovered todaywhen i wanted to get my money that my days expered early march ,what do i need to do nw coz my study permit is not yet out i just got the receipts of which right now am at scool ,please help ,am just worried now ,am i able to go out to zimbabwe ,what must i do ,please am just deressed now dont knw wat to do ,worst part of it am writting exams ,please help me
i am shongi iapplied for my permit and still waiting for it but they said i overstayed and they need 3000 to be payed .why beaucase i am waiting for my permit .please help. does it affect the comming out of my permit.
l stay with my girl friend,7yrs shes from(SA ) we was trying to get love partnership ,but thing go wrong she was involve for fraud married home affairs FIND out she was married on 2005 so home affairs promises us to investigated from 2009 till now we still waiting for result my question is ( how long we must wait to get justice )now my girl friend shes pregnant for 10weeks what lmust do ??? pls lneed help