Government says at least 3 624 Zimbabweans affected by the ongoing disturbances in South Africa have been successfully repatriated and received back into the country as authorities intensify efforts to assist returning citizens.
In a statement issued by the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Zhemu Soda, Government said an inter-ministerial team has been deployed to Beitbridge to facilitate the smooth reception of returnees and coordinate assistance at the border.
“As of June 26, 2026, approximately 3 624 of our nationals had been successfully repatriated and received back in the country,” Dr Soda said.
The team stationed at Beitbridge is working around the clock to ensure efficient border clearance and provide support services to returning Zimbabweans.
Dr Soda said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade had mobilised logistics to facilitate the repatriation exercise while additional personnel had been deployed to strengthen consular services.
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Authorities acknowledged delays affecting some returnees, attributing them to security screening procedures being conducted by South African authorities.
According to the Minister, South African officials are conducting mandatory profiling exercises to verify personal information and ensure that returnees have no outstanding criminal matters before they leave the country.
“Until this process is complete, our citizens remain under South African jurisdiction,” Dr Soda said.
Meanwhile, Treasury has extended duty rebate concessions previously granted to Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) holders to returning citizens under the immigrants’ rebate of duty scheme.
The concessions cover personal and household property as well as certain commercial equipment owned by returnees, subject to prescribed conditions.
Government said the exemption applies to vehicles purchased before December 31, 2022, while permits are required for vehicles older than 10 years.
The statement further clarified that the facility does not apply to newly acquired goods and that all imported property will be subject to evaluation to prevent abuse of the scheme.
In addition, Government announced measures to assist children returning from South Africa to continue their education.
Dr Soda said President Emmerson Mnangagwa had directed schools throughout the country to accommodate children of returnees within their catchment areas.
“No child shall be turned away. Every returning child deserves the opportunity to continue their learning and build a future in their homeland,” he said.
Government reiterated its commitment to supporting citizens returning home and ensuring that they are successfully reintegrated into communities across the country.
“Zimbabwe will always be happy to receive its nationals back home. This is their country. This is their home. No matter where life has taken them,” Dr Soda said.
