Procedure for application of Zimbabwe Special Permit

ZSP will be open to all those who applied for ZDP permits, meaning even those whose applications were rejected in 2010 would be allowed to reapply.

DHA understands that many ZDP permit holders whose permits have expired are experiencing many challenges with their employers, banks, etc. DHA will send a communique to all government departments, banks and other relevant institutions as well as employers to not withhold any payments due to ZDP permit holders after the expiry of their permits because they are going to be issued with new permits.

Mr McKay encouraged all those ZDP permit holders who might have received the notice "undesirable immigrant" for possessing an expired permit when crossing border points to appeal to DHA for upliftment of their permits until December 2014. This notice will then be removed.
It must also be emphasised that all ZDP permits, despite their date of expiry, are going to expire in December 2014 and every ZDP permit holder is expected to apply for ZSP.

The DHA will soon announce when and where to go for police clearance.  However, police fingerprint clearance is to be obtained directly from any police station.

• Requirements:

• Study permit: Letter of admission, valid passport and fingerprint clearance

• Work permit: Letter from employer, valid passport and fingerprint clearance.

• Business permit: valid passport, SARS registration, proof of registration of business and fingerprint clearance.

• To change permit (e.g.: from study to work permit) the applicant will have to submit documents required for that particular permit.

• Applications will be made online from 10 October to 31 December 2014 and all applicants will have to contact the call centre immediately to book an appointment for in-person submissions. In-person applications (submission of required documents and biometrics) will be done per appointment only from 01 Nov. to 30 April 2015.

• Adjudication of applications will take a maximum of 8 weeks.

• VFS.GLOBAL will open 10 facility centres to assist with applications. A website is provided for ZSP applications: http:/www.vfsglobal.com/zsp/southafrica

• An email is dedicated for inquiries: info@vfshelpline.com

• Working hours: 08h00 - 05h00 from Monday to Saturday

• Administration fee: R800,00. Normally VFS fee for visas/permits is R1350 but DHA negotiated for the reduction of the price specifically for ZSP in order to enable everyone to apply.

ADR0 Programme and Activities: 2013-2014

With the sponsorship of the Foundation of Human Rights, ADRO successfully managed to carry out its objectives in assisting refugees and asylum seekers. These activities include:

1) Workshop aimed to educate refugees and asylum seekers on access to refugee permits and the refugee status determination process

• The workshop was carried out at the end of December 2012 which was facilitated by Mr Zoe Nkongolo, an experienced human rights activist, and seconded by ADRO and other community leaders. 
• 60 participants attended the workshop 
• The participants expressed a general sentiment of satisfaction after gaining a deeper understanding of their rights and responsibilites- they were more aware of the refugee laws and their required duty in the application process. 
• By doing so, it reduced the burden on DHA/RROs as the application process will be smoother 
• Other issues like cultural diversity, xenophobia and conflict management were also brought up and discussed. 
• In July 2014, ADRO carried out another human rights workshop to educate refugees and asylum seekers on their rights as many are disadvantaged due to the lack of knowledge on their rights as refugees, especially the unemployed.