Can I still be arrested or deported if my physical Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP) shows an expiry date that has already passed?

Many people are worried about their status in South Africa, especially when they look at their documents and see an old date, but you do not need to panic because you cannot be arrested or deported even if your physical Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP) shows an expiry date that has already passed. The Department of Home Affairs has officially extended the validity of these permits, making sure that everyone who holds one remains legal in the country while the government works on a more permanent solution for the future of all permit holders.

Important details about the Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP) extension

• Expiry Date: The Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP) has been officially extended and is now valid until 28 May 2027.
• Key Figure: The Minister of Home Affairs, Dr. Leon Schreiber, signed the directives that allow for this extension.
• Legal Protection: Under Immigration Directive No. 20 of 2025, holders are protected from arrest, detention, or deportation for not having a “valid” looking certificate.
• Institution Involved: The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) is the main body overseeing these changes, alongside the Immigration Advisory Board (IAB).
• Travel Rights: Permit holders can still travel in and out of South Africa through official ports of entry without needing a new visa, as long as they have their expired permit and a valid passport.
• Work and Study: All rights to work, conduct business, and study in South Africa remain in place under the current extension until the 2027 deadline.

Everything you need to know about your legal status and the Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP)

For a long time, there has been a lot of confusion and “scary talk” on social media regarding what will happen to Basotho living in South Africa. The story actually goes back to 2021 when the government first thought about ending these special permits. However, after several court cases and talks with different groups, the Department of Home Affairs realized they needed more time to figure out a fair way forward. This led to the most recent announcement by Minister Leon Schreiber, who confirmed that everyone with a Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP) is safe until at least May 2027.

This extension is not just a small favor; it is a legal directive that all police officers and immigration officials must follow. Even if a police officer stops you and sees that the date on your card says 2023 or 2025, they cannot take you to jail or start a deportation process because the law says your permit is “deemed” to be valid. The Immigration Advisory Board is currently busy doing research and talking to the public to decide what the long-term plan will be. You can find more updates on similar topics at the trending news section to stay informed about any new changes.

One thing that was cleared up recently in April 2026 is that while you are protected from being kicked out, you are encouraged to look for other mainstream visas if you qualify. There was some talk that everyone would get permanent residency automatically, but the DHA clarified that this is not yet the case. They are still evaluating everything on a case-by-case basis. For now, the most important thing is that you have your documents with you and you know your rights so that no one takes advantage of you at the border or during a routine check.

Common questions from the community about the LEP status

• Can I be fired from my job because my permit date has passed?
  No, your employer cannot fire you just because of the date on the card. The Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP) is legally extended, and the DHA has issued letters and gazettes that employers can use to verify that you are still allowed to work until May 2027.
• What should I show the police if they stop me?
  You should show them your original physical permit and your valid passport. It is also a good idea to keep a printed copy of the Minister’s Immigration Directive No. 20 of 2025 just in case the officer is not yet aware of the new rules.
• Do I need to go to VFS to get a new card with a new date?
  Currently, you do not need to get a new physical card. The extension is automatic for all existing holders. The Department of Home Affairs has stated that the old cards are “deemed” valid until the new expiry date.
• Can I travel to Lesotho for the holidays and come back?
  Yes, you can move across the border freely. When you are at the border, you must present your passport and your Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP). Immigration officials are aware of the extension and will let you through as long as your other travel documents are in order.
• What happens if I lose my expired permit?
  If you lose your permit, you must report it to the police and get an affidavit. You will then need to contact VFS Global or the DHA to find out the process for getting a replacement, but it is much better to keep it very safe because it is your proof of legal status.
• Can I apply for a regular work visa while I have an LEP?
  Yes, one of the benefits of the current extension is that it allows holders to apply for mainstream visas (like a general work visa or business visa) without having to leave South Africa first, provided you meet all the requirements for that specific visa.