What does the latest Department of Home Affairs directive say about the new expiry date for the Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP) and what it means for your status in South Africa

If you are a citizen of Lesotho working or living in South Africa, you have probably been worried about what will happen to your stay here once your papers expire. There is some good news because the South African government has released a new directive regarding the Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP) that gives people more time to get their affairs in order. This update comes as a huge relief for thousands of families who were scared of being deported or losing their jobs because their permits were coming to an end. By extending the deadline, the Department of Home Affairs wants to make sure everyone has a fair chance to move from the special permit to a regular work visa without rushing and making mistakes.

Important details about the Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP) extension

• Responsible Authority: The Department of Home Affairs (DHA), led by the Minister of Home Affairs.
• People Affected: Roughly 54,000 Lesotho nationals currently holding the Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP).
• New Expiry Date: The permits have been extended until 29 November 2025.
• Condition for Extension: This extension only applies to those who have already applied for new waivers and long-term visas.
• Location: This directive applies to all Lesotho nationals living within the borders of the Republic of South Africa.
• Key Partner: VFS Global is the official partner handling the submission of new applications and fingerprints.
• Legal Status: Holders are allowed to continue working, studying, and doing business in South Africa while waiting for their new visa outcomes.

Everything you need to know about the Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP) update

The story of the Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP) has been a long one, filled with many court cases and government announcements. Initially, the South African government wanted to end the special permit system, which would have meant many people from Lesotho would have to go back home. However, after listening to many groups and seeing how much Basotho people contribute to our economy, the Department of Home Affairs decided to give people a chance to stay legally. The latest directive basically says that if you have already started the process of applying for a normal visa, you don’t have to worry about your current permit expiring right now.

This whole process started because the government wants to move away from “special permits” and have everyone on the same immigration system. Many people have been struggling to get appointments at VFS Global or are still waiting for their waiver letters. Because of these delays, the Minister decided it wouldn’t be fair to punish people for a slow system. You can stay updated on other immigrant news and local stories by visiting the trending news section where we cover daily updates. It is very important for permit holders to keep their receipts from VFS as proof that they have applied, just in case they meet the police or need to show their boss at work.

The government also made it clear that while you are waiting for your 29 November 2025 deadline, you are still allowed to travel between South Africa and Lesotho. You won’t be declared “undesirable” at the border as long as you have your expired permit and your proof of application for a new visa. This is a big win for those who need to visit their families during the holidays. If you haven’t checked your status yet, you should visit the VFS Global website to see if your application is still being processed or if there are documents you still need to submit.

Common questions about the Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP)

• Can I still work if my LEP card shows an old expiry date?
  Yes, you can. The government directive says that the old Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP) cards are still valid until November 2025, as long as you have applied for your new visa or waiver.
• Do I need to go to Home Affairs to get a new stamp?
  No, you don’t need a new stamp in your passport right now. The official directive letter sent to banks and employers is enough to prove that your stay is legal.
• What happens if I haven’t applied for a waiver yet?
  You need to hurry up and apply as soon as possible. The extension is mainly for those who are already in the system. If you do nothing, you might find yourself staying in the country illegally.
• Can I open a bank account with my extended permit?
  Yes, South African banks have been notified about this extension. You should take a copy of the Department of Home Affairs directive to your bank if they give you any trouble about your expiry date.
• Will there be another extension after November 2025?
  The government has suggested that this might be the final grace period. They want everyone to have moved to regular work or study visas by the time this date arrives.
• What should I show the police if they stop me?
  You should carry a copy of your expired LEP permit, your valid Lesotho passport, and the receipt you got from VFS Global when you applied for your new visa.