BusinessLive reports that the Department of Home Affairs has opened the application process for the new Lesotho exemption permit to replace the special permit it has been issuing to Basotho nationals.  

The special permit expires on 31 December.  The new dispensation is only applicable to existing holders of the special permit.  When the special dispensation for Lesotho nationals was implemented in 2015, a total of 90,314 special permits were issued.  “Given the expiry of the Lesotho special permit and the need to ensure all persons in SA are here on a lawful basis, with correct documentation, a new four-year special dispensation for Lesotho nationals has been approved.  The new Lesotho exemption permit will help to regularise the stay of Lesotho nationals who are already in SA,” the department indicated.  It will accept appointments for the Lesotho exemption permit from Monday, 18 November.  The cut-off date for submission of online applications is the end of March 2020.  The department has a similar special dispensation for Zimbabwean nationals that allows them to stay‚ work‚ study and conduct businesses legally in SA.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Bekezela Phakathi at BusinessLive

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