HARARE, ZIMBABWE — The Zimbabwean government has officially rolled out a comprehensive Zimbabwe reintegration plan for South Africa returnees, ensuring a safe and dignified homecoming for thousands of nationals displaced by ongoing disturbances in the neighboring country.
As of June 26, 2026, approximately 3,624 Zimbabwean nationals have been successfully repatriated and received back into the country. To ensure a seamless reception, an interministerial team has been deployed and is currently stationed at Beit Bridge, working around the clock to facilitate smooth border clearance and provide on-the-ground support to every returning citizen.
During a comprehensive media briefing, Minister of Public Service, Labor and Social Welfare Ed Gamoyo, alongside Deputy Minister of Information Marupi, Permanent Secretary Manguana, and Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education representative Mr. Andoro, outlined the government’s multi-faceted strategy. Official Tafara also addressed the press to provide further logistical and economic context regarding the repatriation effort.
President Dr. Ed Mnangagwa has directed significant resources toward the operation, emphasizing the safe return of every citizen wishing to come home. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has mobilized logistics, and additional manpower has been deployed to ensure consular services can handle the scale of the operation.
Addressing recent concerns regarding processing times, the spokespersons clarified that current delays are the result of mandatory profiling requirements by South African authorities. This security procedure involves checking personal data against South Africa’s national database to ensure returnees have no criminal records. Until this process is complete, the citizens remain under South African jurisdiction, though the Zimbabwean government is actively engaging with Pretoria to expedite the bottleneck.
Customs and Financial Concessions
To ease the financial burden on returning citizens, the Treasury has extended the concessions previously granted to Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) holders to the current returnees under the immigrants’ rebate of duty.
For motor vehicles, returnees may import one vehicle under the suspension of duty. While Value Added Tax (VAT) remains payable, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) will apply flexible valuation terms to minimize the burden. No permit is required for vehicles older than 10 years, provided the vehicle was purchased prior to December 31, 2022.
Additionally, a rebate of duty applies to personal, household, and commercial property used in businesses, provided these items were also purchased before the December 31, 2022 cutoff. The government has allowed flexibility regarding arrival times to give returning residents ample time to clear their goods, though officials clarified that the facility does not extend to newly purchased items to prevent abuse.
Education and Social Reintegration
President Mnangagwa has also issued a compassionate directive regarding the children of returnees. Mr. Andoro confirmed that the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is fully prepared to reintegrate all pupils between the ages of 4 and 18. All schools across the country have been instructed to absorb these children within their catchment areas, ensuring no child is turned away. Upon arrival, students will undergo assessments to ensure they are placed in the appropriate grades to benefit fully from the heritage-based curriculum.
Addressing concerns about the economic livelihood of the returnees, officials noted that many individuals have acquired new skills, engaged in businesses, and maintained investments while in South Africa. Because Zimbabwe’s economy is highly decentralized, relying on small-scale economic activities, the return of these skilled individuals is expected to boost local economic activity.
While the government will not provide unconditional handouts, social protection services will be provided to those profiled as needing assistance. Social development officers are tracking vulnerable individuals, particularly children, to offer psychosocial support. Furthermore, reunification services are being established to help returnees trace relatives, and care centers are available to accommodate and feed those who return without homes.
Collaborative Efforts and Voluntary Returns
The government acknowledged the vital assistance of international partners, including the International Organization for Migration (IOM), UNICEF, and the Red Cross, who are helping with profiling, tracing, and logistical support at the borders.
Officials also emphasized that the 3,624 registered returnees do not represent the total number of people coming back. Many other nationals are voluntarily returning to Zimbabwe through private means, and the government’s open-door policy and reintegration frameworks remain fully accessible to all arriving citizens.