The Zimbabwean government has directed its Civil Registry Department to expedite the issuance of identity documents for citizens returning from South Africa.
This directive comes amidst a significant influx of returnees, prompted by escalating anti-immigrant sentiment and an unofficial June 30 deadline for undocumented migrants to leave South Africa .
Registrar-General Henry Machiri confirmed that measures have been activated to ensure prompt assistance for these returning Zimbabweans. “All provincial and district registrars must assist Zimbabwean returnees from South Africa promptly and without delay when they visit our registry offices across the country,” Machiri stated in a recent interview .
To facilitate this process, officials from the Beitbridge District Registry are already stationed at the Beitbridge reception center. Their role includes assisting returnees with document processing and providing essential information to guide them upon reaching their destination districts .
According to government reports, over 60,000 Zimbabwean citizens have returned from South Africa. This figure encompasses both government-assisted repatriations and voluntary departures . The mass return highlights the growing pressure on undocumented foreign nationals in South Africa, particularly as the June 30 deadline, imposed by local protest groups, has passed .
The Civil Registry Department’s proactive stance aims to mitigate potential challenges faced by returnees, many of whom may have lost or have expired identity documents, ensuring their smooth reintegration into Zimbabwean society .