What is the difference between the old Lesotho Special Permit (LSP) and the current Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP)?

Many Basotho brothers and sisters living and working in South Africa often find themselves confused about their legal status, especially when asking what is the difference between the old Lesotho Special Permit (LSP) and the current Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP). These permits were created by the South African government to help Lesotho nationals who were already in the country to live, work, and study without the fear of being deported. While they look similar, the main difference is that the LSP was the first step to get people on the system, while the LEP is the successor that allowed those people to stay longer under specific conditions set by the Department of Home Affairs.

Understanding what is the difference between the old Lesotho Special Permit (LSP) and the current Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP)

• Government Department: The South African Department of Home Affairs (DHA) is the body responsible for these permits.
• Key Official: Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has been the main person announcing the extensions and the rules for these permits.
• Lesotho Special Permit (LSP) Period: This started in 2016 and was meant to end in December 2019. It was for Basotho who were in SA before September 2015.
• Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP) Period: This started in 2019 for those who already held the LSP. It was originally set to expire in December 2023 but has been extended.
• Latest Extension: The Minister recently extended the validity of these permits to 29 November 2025 to give people more time to move to regular work visas.
• Application Partner: VFS Global is the company that handles the fingerprints and document collection for the Department of Home Affairs.
• Target Group: Only Lesotho citizens who were already part of the initial LSP project are eligible for the LEP; it is not open to new applicants who just arrived in South Africa.

The full story of how these permits changed over the years

Back in 2015, the South African government realized that there were many people from Lesotho living in the country without the right papers. Instead of arresting everyone, they decided to create the Lesotho Special Permit (LSP). This was a big deal because it allowed people to come forward, register their fingerprints, and get a permit that let them work, go to school, or run a small business legally. It was a way to bring people out of the shadows. If you want to see more about how these types of permits are handled, you can check the latest trending news on South African permits.

When the LSP was about to expire in 2019, the government didn’t want to just kick everyone out, so they introduced the Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP). The biggest thing to know about what is the difference between the old Lesotho Special Permit (LSP) and the current Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP) is that you could only get the LEP if you already had the LSP. It wasn’t a “new” permit for everyone; it was only for those who had already followed the rules since 2016. You can find the official announcements on the Department of Home Affairs website regarding these changes.

Recently, there has been a lot of talk on social media platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) about whether these permits will be cancelled. To avoid a big rush and confusion, Minister Aaron Motsoaledi announced that the LEP is extended until 2025. This gives people time to apply for other types of visas if they qualify. The government is trying to move away from these “special” permits and wants everyone to eventually have normal work or business visas. For many, knowing what is the difference between the old Lesotho Special Permit (LSP) and the current Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP) is the first step in planning their future in South Africa. You can also visit VFS Global to see the current status of permit renewals.

Common questions about Lesotho permits

• Can I apply for a Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP) if I never had the LSP?
  No, you cannot. The LEP is only for people who held the original LSP. If you are new in the country, you have to apply for a regular visa like any other foreigner.
• Does the LEP allow me to stay in South Africa forever?
  No, it is a temporary exemption. The government has made it clear that these are not permanent residence permits, and holders are encouraged to look for other legal ways to stay long-term.
• What is the main difference in terms of dates?
  The difference between the old Lesotho Special Permit (LSP) and the current Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP) is that the LSP ran from 2016 to 2019, while the LEP started in late 2019 and is currently extended until November 2025.
• Can I travel to Lesotho and come back with an LEP?
  Yes, you can travel between South Africa and Lesotho as long as your permit and your Lesotho passport are valid and not expired.
• Do I need to go to Home Affairs to renew my LEP?
  Usually, you have to book an appointment through VFS Global. They are the ones who take your documents and send them to Home Affairs for processing.
• Is the LEP being cancelled like the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP)?
  The government is looking at all exemption permits, but for now, the LEP has been extended to November 2025, giving Basotho more time than some other permit holders.