The withdrawal of special dispensation for Zimbabwean nationals will result in mass deportation of vulnerable individuals who do not have the means to gain a legal permit, the Jesuit Refugee Service (JFS) says.

Spokeswoman Jeanette Lesisa said they were also concerned about the time frame offered to Zimbabweans to legalise their stay in South Africa.

"The time frame is four months. In this time, Zimbabweans must cross back into Zimbabwe, apply and obtain documents, re-cross into South Africa and apply again at Home Affairs for the relevant permit," said Jeanette Lesisa in a statement.

She said there were some questions on whether it was realistic to expect this to happen legally within a four month period.

"This process also does not address the fears and safety concerns of those who have fled from persecution in Zimbabwe," she said adding that returning to the country to obtain documents might be a life-threatening exercise.

In addition to this, some who have left Zimbabwe due to economic hardship may not be able to afford the processing fees, now posted in United States dollars.

Lesisa said the implication of a straight application or exchange under an amnesty, in terms of turning in counterfeit documents for work or study permits, does not address the fact that under South African legislation many Zimbabweans do not qualify for work visas.

This means that the plan to end the special dispensation would result in mass deportation of vulnerable individuals who do not have the means to gain a legal permit, but who have no support or survival strategies back in Zimbabwe.

She said the JRS would support initiatives that allow Zimbabweans to move more freely between South Africa and Zimbabwe, stimulating both economies through trade and investing their productive skills in building up socio-economic resources as a region.

South Africa withdrew a special dispensation for Zimbabwean nationals that was introduced in April 2009.

The special dispensation allowed Zimbabweans crossing into South Africa the right to live, work, attend education facilities and access basic health care for a period of 6 months.

This was in response to the socio-economic challenges in Zimbabwe, which resulted in large-scale cross-border movement, as vulnerable groups sought safety and alternative livelihoods strategies in South Africa.

The JSR is an international Catholic organisation with a mission to accompany, serve and advocate on behalf of refugees and other forcibly displaced persons.