How does an employer verify the legality of a worker’s Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP) under the current 18 month extension? A simple guide for employers.

If you are a boss or a business owner, you might be wondering how to make sure your workers from Lesotho are staying in the country legally, especially with the recent changes. The South African government has given a lifeline to many by extending the Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP) for another 18 months, which means people holding these permits can keep working and living here until 29 November 2025. This extension is very important because it helps families stay together and keeps businesses running without the fear of breaking the law while they wait for their new applications to be processed.

Checking the validity of the Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP) for your staff

• Responsible Authority: The Department of Home Affairs (DHA), led by Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, is the body in charge of these permits.
• Expiry Date: The current extension for the Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP) is valid until 29 November 2025.
• Permit Holders: This applies to about 54,000 Lesotho nationals who were already registered under the previous exemption schemes.
• Required Documents: Employers must check the original expired permit, the passport of the worker, and the official directive issued by the DHA.
• Verification Platform: You can verify the status of a worker’s application or permit through the VFS Global website or by contacting the DHA directly.
• Employment Rights: Under this extension, permit holders are allowed to work, conduct business, and study in South Africa without needing extra visas for now.

The full story behind the 18-month extension for Lesotho citizens

The journey of the Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP) has been a long one, starting back when the South African government decided to help regularize Lesotho nationals living in the country. Many people have built lives here, working in houses, on farms, and in big companies. Recently, there was a bit of stress because the permits were supposed to end, but the Minister of Home Affairs decided to give an 18-month extension. This was done to give people enough time to apply for the new permits that will last until 2025. You can stay updated on other similar news by visiting the trending news section to see how these laws affect everyday people.

For an employer to be safe, you don’t just take someone’s word for it. You need to see the physical permit and the receipt from VFS Global if they have already applied for the renewal. The Department of Home Affairs has made it clear that as long as the worker has their old permit and proof that they are part of the extension group, they are not in the country illegally. This is great news for businesses that rely on these skilled workers. On social media sites like X and Facebook, many people are sharing their relief, but also warning others to watch out for scammers who promise “fast-track” permits for a fee.

It is also important to remember that this Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP) does not lead to permanent residency. It is a special permission that the government can change at any time. As a boss, you should keep a file with copies of your worker’s papers and the government gazette that talks about the extension. This way, if labor inspectors come to your workplace, you can show them that everything is 100% legal. If you want to know more about how these changes affect the labor market, you can check reports from the Department of Employment and Labour.

Frequently asked questions about the LEP extension

• Can I hire a new person who never had an LEP before? No, the current extension and the new 2025 permit are only for people who already had the older versions of the permit. New applications for people who were never part of the system are not allowed.
• What should I do if my worker’s permit has already expired? You should check if they fall under the 18-month extension. If they had a valid LEP before the Minister’s announcement, their status is automatically extended while they apply for the new one.
• Can the worker travel home to Lesotho with an expired permit? Yes, they can travel between South Africa and Lesotho as long as they carry their passport and the proof that their Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP) has been extended by the government.
• Does the employer have to pay for the permit renewal? Usually, the worker pays the fees to VFS Global, but some employers choose to help their staff with the costs to make sure the paperwork is done correctly and on time.
• What happens after November 2025? The government has not said what will happen after that date. It is expected that permit holders will either have to move to regular work visas or that another decision will be made closer to the time.
• How do I know if a permit is fake? You should look for the official watermarks and stamps. The safest way is to use the reference number on the permit to check it against the VFS Global online tracking system.