Zimbabwean ZEP Permit Holders: Latest Recommendation.
As you know the grace period for the Zimbabwe ZEP permits will end on 31 December 2022. Please do apply for alternative visas under the Immigration Act if you think you qualify. Do not wait until December 2022. Do not panic you will not be arrested, detained, or deported during the 12 month grace period, the Department of Home Affairs has confirmed. All those who have failed to apply for other visas after the grace period ends will be deported.
You are strongly encouraged to take a look at the advice and recommendation provided below;
1. You Still Have Rights as a human being. Don’t Let anyone Scare You.
Your legal status doesn’t make you less available for protection from violent crimes. Sadly, a lot of undocumented immigrants feel threatened by the law and abusers will take advantage of this.
2. Thrive to Stay on the right side of the Law always
The advice to all undocumented foreign nationals is that; please do not get involved in criminal activities. Always strive to be on the right side of the law. This also applies to every other citizen including those that are documented. This advice might seem obvious, but It is necessary. Getting in trouble with the South African law will ruin your chances of getting a visa or permit in the future.
3. Avoid buying fake IDs and passports or any other illegal documents
Please do not buy fake IDs or passports or any illegal documents. This is not a good idea, and it could limit your chances of becoming a permanent resident or citizen. Look closely at how that Pakistan national who recently got arrested got into trouble together with his accomplice. Illegal activities, like driving without a license, stealing, and fighting, are what make it hard for your application to be accepted.
Do not think that you can do things illegally now and later try to fix them to look good. It is always a better idea to stay on the good side of the law from the start, especially if really want to stay in South Africa
4. Try to learn to embrace other people’s culture
There is an old adage that says When in Rome, do as the Romans do. This is another one of thee advise that you have probably heard often; because it’s important. Embracing the local culture will help improve your life in South Africa more than anything else.
Knowing how things work in this country can help with job opportunities, educational goals, and other such necessities. It can also save you from arguments with colleagues, coworkers, neighbors, peers, teachers, or anyone in general. This doesn’t mean you are abandoning your culture but just embracing the culture of your host country.
5. Protect yourself from all forms of Scams
As an undocumented immigrant, you are most likely to be scammed simply because there is a lot of fear and anxiety. Please be warned and be careful! Be especially aware when it comes to searching for help. A lot of people or anyone masquerading as lawyers or immigration experts will charge you high prices for forms that you can find for free and sometimes the information they give won’t be accurate.
6. Know Where to Look for Genuine Free Help
Besides the government offices and the police station, there are many people you can talk to or places you can visit with questions. You can search for your country’s embassy (consulate offices) near you. Go to their office and ask any questions you might have. The people are nice and they have the right answers. If you don’t have a passport or birth certificate, your embassy can assist
7. Be humble and Patient
Lastly, it is important to know that sometimes undocumented immigrants will stay undocumented for a long time. Good things come to those who wait.
Ephesians 4:2 “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.”
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