What are the specific requirements to move from a Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP) to a mainstream General Work Visa? A practical guide for Basotho nationals in South Africa.

If you are a Basotho national living and working in South Africa, you are likely aware that the special permit dispensation is undergoing major changes. With the recent extensions and directives from the Department of Home Affairs, many people are asking, What are the specific requirements to move from a Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP) to a mainstream General Work Visa? so they can secure their future in the country. This transition is very important because the LEP was always meant to be a temporary measure, and moving to a mainstream visa gives you more permanent rights and a clear path to stay legal without waiting for another government extension.

Key details about the transition to a mainstream visa

• Department of Home Affairs (DHA): This is the main government body in charge of the process under the leadership of the Minister of Home Affairs.
• VFS Global: This is the private company that handles the capturing of your fingerprints and documents. You must submit your application through their offices.
• The Waiver Letter: Most LEP holders need to apply for a “waiver” first. This asks the Minister to excuse them from the requirement of a Department of Employment and Labour certificate.
• SAQA Evaluation: You need to get your Lesotho qualifications verified by the South African Qualifications Authority to prove they are equal to South African standards.
• Police Clearance: You must provide a valid South African Police Service (SAPS) clearance certificate that is not older than six months.
• Contract of Employment: A signed job offer or contract from a South African employer is mandatory to qualify for the General Work Visa.
• Expiry Dates: While there have been extensions, it is recommended to start this process immediately before the current exemption period ends in 2025.

Understanding what are the specific requirements to move from a Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP) to a mainstream General Work Visa

The process of moving from a special permit to a normal visa can feel a bit confusing if you don’t have the right info. Basically, the South African government has decided that people on special permits should try to get onto the “regular” immigration system. To do this, you need to prove that you have a job and that you are contributing to the economy. You can find more updates on this and other trending immigration news to stay informed about any new deadlines set by the Minister.

The biggest hurdle for most people is the Department of Employment and Labour certificate. Normally, for a General Work Visa, an employer must prove they looked for a South African to do the job first. However, for LEP holders, you can apply for a waiver. Once the waiver is granted, you then apply for the actual visa. You will need to visit the Department of Home Affairs website or the VFS Global portal to start your online application and book an appointment for your biometrics.

It is also very important to remember that your passport must be valid for at least 30 days after the end of your intended stay, but it’s better if it has a few years left on it. You will also need to go for a medical checkup and an X-ray to show you don’t have TB or other infectious diseases. Because so many people are applying at once, the What are the specific requirements to move from a Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP) to a mainstream General Work Visa? question is being asked daily at VFS offices across the country. Make sure your employer is willing to help you with the necessary company documents, like their business registration and tax clearance.

Frequently asked questions from the community

• Can I apply for the General Work Visa while I am still in South Africa?
  Yes, the Department of Home Affairs has allowed LEP holders to apply for a change of status while remaining in the country, which is usually not allowed for other types of visitors.
• Do I really need a waiver for the General Work Visa?
  Yes, unless your employer is willing to go through the long process with the Department of Labour. Applying for a waiver is the standard way for What are the specific requirements to move from a Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP) to a mainstream General Work Visa? to be met successfully.
• How much does it cost to apply at VFS?
  You will have to pay the VFS service fee and the Home Affairs application fee. Currently, this can total over R3000, so it is good to save up before you start the process.
• What happens if my waiver is rejected?
  If your waiver is rejected, you can appeal the decision, but you must do it within the time frame given in the rejection letter. It is best to make sure all your documents are correct the first time.
• Can I include my children in my application?
  Your children will need their own study visas or dependency visas. You cannot just “add” them to your work visa application; they must have their own separate applications submitted at VFS.
• How long does the whole process take?
  It can take anywhere from a few months to over a year because there is a huge backlog at Home Affairs. The waiver alone can take 6 to 10 months to be processed.
• Must I have a specific salary to qualify?
  There is no “minimum” salary set in stone for the General Work Visa, but it must be a fair market salary for the type of work you are doing in South Africa.