LEP grace period update: Will there be a further grace period for Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP) holders who have pending waiver applications at VFS?

It’s really good news for many Basotho living in Mzansi because the Department of Home Affairs has just made a big announcement that will make life much easier for everyone. If you are worried about your Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP) expiring while you are still waiting for your waiver from VFS, you can breathe a bit now because a new grace period has been granted. Minister Leon Schreiber signed a new paper that says everyone with pending applications can stay and work legally until next year, so there is no need to panic about being arrested or deported while you wait for the system to finish its work.

Good news for Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP) holders with pending applications

• Main People Involved: Dr. Leon Schreiber (Minister of Home Affairs), the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), and VFS Global.
• Relevant Dates: The new directive was signed on March 30, 2026, and it started working from April 1, 2026.
• New Expiry Date: For those with pending waivers, visas, and appeals, the new deadline is now June 30, 2027.
• Places Involved: All Home Affairs offices across South Africa and VFS Global centres where people apply for their permits.
• What is covered: This extension is for Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP) holders who have already submitted their waiver or long-term visa applications but haven’t received an answer yet.
• Travel Rules: You are allowed to travel in and out of South Africa using your expired permit and your original VFS receipt without being told you are “undesirable.”

Simple full summary of the Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP) extension story

For a long time, people from Lesotho who have been working and staying in South Africa have been stressed because the old Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP) was coming to an end. Many people did what they were told and applied for waivers and other visas at VFS Global, but the problem is that Home Affairs has a very big backlog. Because they are taking long to process all these papers, many people were scared that they would become illegal in the country. But now, the Minister of Home Affairs has stepped in to help. You can find more updates on this on our trending news page which talks about all the latest changes in the country.

According to the new Immigration Directive No. 7 of 2026, anyone who has a pending waiver application that was submitted before March 30, 2026, is now safe until June 30, 2027. This is a very long extension—about 15 months—because the government wants to focus on building a new digital system called the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). They realized that they cannot fix the old backlogs while people are suffering, so they gave this big grace period. This is much better than the short 3-month extensions we used to see before.

The Department of Home Affairs says that as long as you have your original VFS receipt, you can keep working and even travel home to see your family. If you are crossing the border, just make sure you show your passport and that VFS receipt so the officials know you are legally waiting for your outcome. It is important to note that this doesn’t apply to people who are applying for permanent residence or those who have tourist visas that expired a long time ago. This is specifically to help those who are already in the system and trying to follow the law. For more official information, you can also check the VFS Global website to track how far your application is.

Common questions and answers about the LEP grace period

• Can I still work if my Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP) has already expired?
  Yes, as long as you have a pending waiver or visa application at VFS that you submitted before March 30, 2026, you are legally allowed to work until June 30, 2027.
• Do I need to go to Home Affairs to get a stamp for the extension?
  No, you don’t need a new stamp. The directive is a “blanket waiver,” which means it applies automatically to everyone who has their VFS proof of application.
• Can I travel to Lesotho for the holidays and come back?
  Yes, you can travel. Just make sure you carry your original VFS receipt and your passport. You won’t be banned or declared undesirable at the border.
• What happens if I haven’t applied for a waiver yet?
  If you haven’t applied at all, you might not be covered by this specific extension for pending applications. You should check with a legal expert or visit a VFS centre quickly to see your options.
• Is this extension the same for Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) holders?
  Yes, the directive usually covers both ZEP and Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP) holders who are in the same situation with pending applications.
• Will Home Affairs finally finish the backlogs by June 2027?
  The Minister hopes so! They are moving to a digital system to make things faster, which is why they gave such a long extension this time to clear everything once and for all.