What happens to my Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP) status if I lose my passport containing the original permit sticker: A plain language guide for Basotho living in South Africa.

Losing your travel documents is a big headache, especially when it involves your legal right to live and work in Mzansi. Many people are currently worried about their Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP) status if I lose my passport containing the original permit sticker, because without that physical proof, it feels like you are back to square one. The good news is that your legal status is actually recorded in the Department of Home Affairs computer system, so losing the physical sticker does not mean you have lost your right to stay, but you have to act fast to fix the paperwork.

Everything you need to know about your Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP) status if I lose my passport containing the original permit sticker

• Main Institution involved: The South African Department of Home Affairs (DHA), currently led by Minister Leon Schreiber.
• Processing Partner: VFS Global, which is the company that handles all the document submissions and finger prints.
• Law Enforcement: South African Police Service (SAPS) where you must report the lost document.
• Lesotho Government: The Lesotho High Commission or Consulate where you must apply for a new passport.
• Key Documents: You will need a police affidavit, a certified copy of the lost passport (if you have one), and a copy of the lost permit.
• Expiry Dates: The current LEP permits have been extended until 31 December 2024, giving holders time to move to regular work visas.
• Location: This applies to all Lesotho nationals living in South Africa under the exemption scheme.

If you find yourself in this situation, the first thing you must do is stop worrying and start moving. Your Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP) status if I lose my passport containing the original permit sticker remains valid in the government database even if the paper is gone. You need to go to the nearest SAPS station and get an affidavit. Tell them exactly how you lost the passport. This paper is your protection if the police stop you while you are waiting for new documents. You can read more about other trending stories regarding immigration updates on our site.

After getting the police report, your next stop is the Lesotho Consulate. You cannot get a replacement permit sticker without a valid passport from your home country. Once you have the new passport, you must approach VFS Global to apply for a “Transfer of Permit.” This is the official process where they take your valid permit status from the old, lost passport number and link it to your new passport number. You can find the latest forms and appointment slots on the VFS Global website.

It is very important to remember that the Department of Home Affairs is very strict about deadlines. Since the Minister of Home Affairs extended the permits to allow people to apply for other types of visas, you should not wait until the last minute. If you lose your passport now, you might struggle to apply for a permanent work visa before the December 2024 deadline. Check the official Department of Home Affairs website regularly for any new notices or changes in the law that might affect Basotho nationals.

Lastly, always keep digital copies of your documents. If you have a photo of your permit on your phone or in your email, the process of proving your Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP) status if I lose my passport containing the original permit sticker becomes much faster. The VFS staff will be able to find your records easily if you have the old permit number or the reference number from your original application. Stay calm and follow the right steps so you don’t get into trouble with immigration officers.

Common questions about lost LEP permits

• Can I still work if I lost my passport with the permit?
  Yes, you are still legally allowed to work, but you must show your employer the police affidavit and proof that you are applying for a new passport so they know you are following the law.
• Do I have to pay for a new permit sticker?
  Yes, VFS Global and Home Affairs usually charge a fee for a “Transfer of Visa” or replacement of a lost permit. It is not free of charge.
• How long does it take to get a replacement?
  It can take a few weeks or even months. You have to wait for the Lesotho Consulate to give you a passport first, and then wait for VFS to process the transfer.
• What if I don’t have a photo or copy of my lost permit?
  It is harder, but not impossible. Home Affairs can search for your details using your ID number or the fingerprints you gave when you first applied for the LEP.
• Can I travel home to Lesotho with just a police affidavit?
  It is very risky. It is better to get an Emergency Travel Document from the Lesotho Consulate if you really need to cross the border before your new passport arrives.
• Is my Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP) status if I lose my passport containing the original permit sticker still safe?
  Yes, your status is safe in the DHA system. The sticker is just a physical proof, but the real record is digital. Just make sure you start the replacement process immediately.