Maseru, Oct. 08 — The South African Department of Home Affairs has officially announced an extension of the Lesotho Exemption Permits (LEP) until May 28, 2027.
According to a notice published in the Government Gazette on October 07, 2025, Minister of Home Affairs Dr. Leon Schreiber issued Immigration Directive No. 20 of 2025, extending the validity of all existing LEPs by 18 months beyond the current expiry date of November 28, 2025.
The Minister explained that the Immigration Advisory Board (IAB), appointed in April 2025, has been holding consultations to determine both short and long-term solutions for LEP holders. These discussions will continue with input from key stakeholders.
This extension ensures that thousands of Basotho living and working in South Africa under the LEP program can continue to do so legally while broader policy consultations are underway.
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