REPORT ON THE ANTICIPATED RETURN OF ZIMBABWEAN NATIONALS FROM SOUTH AFRICA
Cabinet adopted the Report on the Anticipated Return of Zimbabwean Nationals from South Africa, as presented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Honourable Dr Frederick Makamure Shava.
Cabinet would like to inform the public that mass deportations of undocumented Zimbabweans were expected from South Africa following expiry of the Zimbabwe Exemptions Permits (ZEPs) which South Africa had granted them.
The sister Republic of South Africa had initially given the ZEP holders a grace period of up to 31 December 2022 to apply for alternative visas, and later extended the ZEP validity to 30 June 2023.
The alternative visas include student, business, spousal and work permit visas.
However, most ZEP holders do not qualify for the outlined critical skills visas hence the low uptake.
The Zimbabwean Government has issued guidelines and regulations for returning residents which include one duty-free vehicle and no limits to personal property.
Government has also engaged the South African Government, emphasizing that Zimbabwe is ready to receive its returning nationals, who should comply with the relevant South African laws.
Cabinet agreed to establish an Inter-Ministerial Committee to prepare for the returning residents.
The Committee will be supported by subcommittees which will include the following functional areas:
1. Transport and logistics;
2. Security;
3. Documentation;
4. Re-integration support;
5. Resource mobilsation;
6. Information and publicity; as well as
7. Health and education.
