SA call centre for Zimbabwe permit applicants
Pretoria – Home Affairs Director-General Mkuseli Apleni on Wednesday the 22nd of September announced the call centre number for enquiries regarding the Zimbabwean special dispensation and the regularisation of the stay of Zimbabwean nationals in South Africa.
Director General Apleni said, “The Department of Home Affairs has established a call centre for those with enquiries regarding the end of the special dispensation for Zimbabwean nationals. Those requiring clarification of the process of regularising their stay in South Africa are also invited to use the call centre.”
“Zimbabwean nationals are urged to call 0800 864 488 or 0800 601 190 with their enquiries. Both numbers can be used without any cost implication for the caller,” continued the Director-General.
The Director-General reminded Zimbabwean nationals that, “the special dispensation for South African nationals in the country will end on 31 December 2010. Those in possession of illegal South African documentation are also urged to return these to Home Affairs officials at any of the 46 regional offices throughout the country without fear of prosecution.”
“The Department of Home Affairs has deployed additional staff members to each of the 46 regional offices in the nine provinces to ensure Zimbabwean nationals are assisted expeditiously to regularise their stay in the country.”
“However, those applying for the appropriate South African documentation – work, study or business permits – will be required to have their Zimbabwean passports in order.
In this regard, the Zimbabwean authorities in Harare and its representatives in South Africa have assured us they will assist all nationals to speedily acquire the relevant Zimbabwean documents to facilitate the granting of South African documents.”
“South African employers and educational institutions who have Zimbabwean nationals as either their employees or students are expected to provide the Department of Home Affairs with affidavits to prove the employment or status as students to enable the Department to issue work and/or study permits. Those Zimbabwean nationals who are running businesses are also expected to produce proof of their business operations before a business permit can be issued.”
“The South African government reiterates its call to all Zimbabwean nationals in the country to accept this invitation to regularise your stay in our country which will enable you to build safe and secure lives as well as the opportunity to access decent work opportunities,” concluded Director-General Apleni.
