The Zimbabwean government is currently in discussions with South Africa regarding the fate of its citizens facing potential deportation following the expiration of their permits. This development comes in response to recent statements by South Africa’s Home Affairs Minister, Leon Schreiber, who revealed to Parliament that the government has spent approximately R53,817,656 on deporting undocumented immigrants, the majority of whom are Zimbabweans.
According to reports, South Africa has deported around 19,750 undocumented immigrants recently, with Zimbabweans representing the largest group among them, followed by nationals from Malawi, Tanzania, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In light of these figures, the South African government has issued warnings to undocumented immigrants, urging them to regularize their residency or face imminent deportation.
Currently, there are about 180,000 holders of the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) in South Africa. This permit program was introduced in 2009 as a temporary measure to address the increasing refugee crisis stemming from Zimbabwe’s socio-economic challenges. However, with the ZEP program recently declared unlawful, unconstitutional, and invalid by South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal, the situation has become increasingly precarious for many Zimbabweans living in South Africa.
Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi addressed the issue in the Senate, emphasizing the government’s commitment to engaging with Pretoria about the potential deportations. “South Africa has its own laws that govern their immigration. What we can do as a government is to ensure that the needs of our people, wherever possible, are managed through our bilateral relations,” Ziyambi stated.
The minister’s comments reflect a recognition of the complexities involved in immigration policies and the need for diplomatic negotiations. He acknowledged that South Africa has opted not to renew permits granted after 2008, marking a significant shift in policy regarding undocumented immigrants.
Ziyambi further noted, “We are waiting to see whether the South Africans will be open to negotiations to allow our people, who have been residing there, to continue their stay under the jurisdiction of the South African government.” Ongoing diplomatic discussions between Zimbabwe’s Foreign Affairs ministry and South Africa’s Department of International Relations are aimed at finding a resolution that safeguards the interests of Zimbabwean immigrants.
The outcome of these negotiations is particularly significant for the many families affected by the impending deportations. South Africa has long been a primary destination for Zimbabweans and other African immigrants fleeing conflict, poverty, and hunger in their home countries. Many have established lives, jobs, and communities in South Africa, making the prospect of deportation a deeply concerning issue.
The situation is further complicated by the broader socio-economic challenges that Zimbabweans face back home, including ongoing political instability and economic hardship. A return to Zimbabwe may not only be impractical for many but could also exacerbate the existing crises within the country.
As the Zimbabwean government works to negotiate the status of its citizens in South Africa, the focus remains on finding a solution that prioritizes the well-being of those affected by potential deportations. The discussions reflect the complexities of immigration policy and the need for bilateral cooperation to address the needs of vulnerable populations. The coming weeks will be critical as both governments navigate this sensitive issue, with the hopes of many Zimbabwean families hanging in the balance.
In other news – Harare’s water crisis a national disaster
In a pressing move to address the ongoing water crisis in Zimbabwe, residents’ associations have urged the government to officially declare the situation a national disaster. The Zimbabwe Union of Residents and Ratepayers Association (ZURRA) held a press conference on Wednesday to voice their concerns, emphasizing the urgency of the crisis that is affecting communities nationwide.
Spokesperson Marvelous Khumalo articulated the gravity of the water situation, stating, “The water crisis is not confined to the Harare Metropolitan Province; it is a national emergency that demands immediate attention. Read More
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