Madam Deputy Speaker, on 20 September 2010 the Department of Home Affairs commenced the process of issuing permits to all qualifying Zimbabwean nationals. This came after the department announced that all Zimbabwean immigrants had to apply for the relevant documents and register their status in the country, because a special dispensation allowing Zimbabweans crossing into South Africa the right to live, work, attend education facilities and access basic health care for a period of six months was coming to an end.
Since the start of this process, all nine provincial Home Affairs offices have been processing applications. The ANC-led government has received praise for this policy of regularisation from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, during the meeting of the 61st session of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. We acknowledge that the department has experienced some challenges during the roll-out process, and urge it to deploy more officials to assist and ensure that all applications are processed by the cutoff date.
This special dispensation will come to an end on 31 December 2010. Therefore, we urge all Zimbabwean nationals to take full advantage of the opportunity to regularise their stay and to comply with South Africa's immigration laws. Thank you. [Applause.]