Information on the Zimbabwe Special Permits

 In 2010, the Department of Home Affairs ran a special dispensation process for Zimbabweans, issuing them with DZP permits to work, study or operate businesses in South Africa.

All DZP applicants (both successful and unsuccessful) may now apply for the ZSP. Home Affairs will first confirm eligibility after which an online process will begin, concluding with in-person interviews. ZSP permits will be valid for a maximum period of three years and all DZP permits have been extended to 31 December 2014. Only Zimbabweans on the DZP database will be eligible to apply for the ZSP.

The online process is open from 1 October 2014 to 31 December 2014. In-person applications are open from 1 November 2014 to 30 April 2015. Home Affairs anticipates application times to take eight weeks. The application fee is R870 (VFS fee R800 and DHA Security Clearance fee R70).

Lawyers for Human Rights and the Zimbabwe Exiles Forum will be available to assist and advise Zimbabweans on this process. Visit our website: www.lhr.org.za for information or follow us on Facebook (Lawyers for Human Rights) and Twitter (LHR_SA) for updates. You can also contact one of our offices: Johannesburg on 011 339 1960, Pretoria on 012 320 2943 or Durban on 031 301 0531.

Documents needed:

• Completed and signed online form. NOTE: Handwritten forms will not be accepted by Home Affairs
• Applicants must have original documents verified while submitting photocopies for any visa/permit category
• Original passport
• Copies of passport and previous visas
• Original bank payment receipt for each applicant
• Appointment Letter Acknowledgement
• Passport valid for no less than 90 calendar days after expiry of the intended visit. A copy is required while submitting the application.
• Depending on the type of permit applied for, the documents listed below will be required:

HOW TO APPLY

Step 1
Application forms MUST be completed online. NO handwritten forms will be accepted. Call the Helpline and schedule an appointment after completing the online form. IMPORTANT: Ensure you have your supporting documents ready as rescheduling will only be allowed under special circumstances.

Pay fees to the VFS Standard Bank branch or by credit/debit card at the VFS Visa Application Centre. No cash payments will be accepted at the Visa Facilitation Centre. NOTE: Refunds will not be allowed AFTER you have submitted your application in person.

VFS Standard Bank account details
Account Name: VFS VISA PROCESSING SA (PTY) LTD
Bank Name: Standard Bank of South Africa Limited
Branch: Rosebank
Branch Code: 004305
Account Number: 001 918 346
Reference: Please use your Unique Reference Number (URN) as a reference

Step 2
You will need to arrange supporting documents for the ZSP application. See the section above on documents required.

Step 3
Arrive 10 minutes early on the day of your appointment. Bring your appointment letter, documents and a valid passport.

On arrival, you will submit your complete application and enrol your fingerprints and photo. Once the ZSP application process is completed you will be issued with an acknowledgment receipt. This is used to track your application and collect your decision.

IMPORTANT: You will not be able to submit further documents once your application has been submitted at the application centre. The documents submitted at the time of your application will be the only ones considered.

Step 4
Enrol your fingerprints and photograph at the application centre. This includes a digital finger scan (all 10 digits) and a digital photograph. The finger scan procedure uses an electronic scanner, which means no ink, liquids or chemicals.

Tips:
* Ensure fingertips are free from any form of decoration (for example, henna), cuts, abrasions or other markings as these may affect your ability to provide acceptable finger scans.
* Your digital photograph must be taken with full face and without sunglasses or tinted spectacles, or head covering unless it is worn for religious or medical reasons.
* Your face should be clearly visible with no hair across the eyes.

All children and infants will also provide their biometric data.

AFTER SUBMISSION
You can track your application online or by calling the Helpline above.

Please collect processed applications from the centre where the application was submitted. An original passport will be required as proof of identity. Processed applications will not be returned to applicants/representatives if they fail to submit the original passport.

Representatives must provide an original photo ID with an authority letter. The letter should clearly state:

• Name of the representative collecting the decision
• Photo ID number of the representative
• Applicant’s signature as signed on the application form and passport

NOTE: The original receipt provided during the application submission (photocopy not allowed) will be required.