The Zimbabwean government is preparing for a significant wave of deportations of its nationals from South Africa, where authorities have intensified efforts to remove illegal immigrants. Public Service Deputy Minister Mercy Dinha addressed Parliament on Wednesday, outlining the steps being taken to manage the return and reintegration of these deportees.
Dinha informed legislators that the Zimbabwean government, in partnership with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), is making substantial preparations to accommodate the returning citizens. The government has renovated reception and support centers in Beitbridge and Plumtree to provide initial assistance and facilitate reintegration into local communities.
“The government of Zimbabwe, working with the International Organisation for Migration, laid a foundation for the receipt of migrants in anticipation of the return of Zimbabwe Exemption Permit non-holders from South Africa,” Dinha said. She highlighted that inter-ministerial committees have been established to oversee the process and ensure a smooth reintegration of returnees.
The Deputy Minister emphasized that Zimbabwe’s ability to handle the influx of returnees is proven, citing the successful management of returning citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Our capability to handle any number of our returning citizens cannot be doubted as evidenced by our acquittal during the COVID-19 pandemic, where hundreds of thousands of returning citizens were successfully received and reintegrated into the country,” she added.
South Africa has recently increased its efforts to deport illegal immigrants, including a significant number of Zimbabweans. This crackdown comes amid rising local sentiment against foreign nationals, who are often accused of competing for jobs with South Africans. The situation has been further complicated by instances of xenophobic violence, notably the 2019 attacks that led to the evacuation of over 200 Zimbabweans from South Africa. Recent reports indicate that over a million Zimbabweans reside in South Africa, both legally and illegally, making them one of the largest migrant groups in the country.
The issue of Zimbabwean migrants in South Africa is also influenced by the country’s political landscape. Some South African opposition parties have pledged to deport Zimbabweans and other African nationals if they succeed in the upcoming elections. This has further heightened the urgency for Zimbabwe to prepare for the possible return of its citizens. In preparation for these developments, the Zimbabwean government’s efforts to upgrade reception facilities and organize support mechanisms reflect a strategic approach to mitigate the potential challenges of mass deportations and ensure the smooth reintegration of returnees.
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