After studying it, she was expected to make a final announcement on the whole process, director general Mkuseli Apleni told reporters in Pretoria.

"We are currently in the process of collecting outstanding documents submitted by the Zimbabwean nationals who have applied for work, business and study permits under the Zimbabwe documentation project."

The department had in the last three weeks received additional help from 274 members of the SA National Defence Force, he said.

A total of 275 762 applications for permits were received, of which 134 264 were approved and issued. The rest had been checked and smses sent to applicants to submit additional documentation.

In April last year Pretoria announced a moratorium on the deportation of Zimbabweans. They were granted a special dispensation in order to get documents and make their stay in South Africa legal.