HARARE, June 29 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwe has repatriated 3,624 citizens from South Africa as of June 26, with more expected to arrive once South African authorities complete processing, Zimbabwe's Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Zhemu Soda said Monday.
The repatriations come as South Africa grapples with anti-immigration protests fueled by concerns over unemployment, pressure on public services, and border security.
Addressing the media in Harare, Zimbabwe's capital, Soda said an inter-ministerial team has been deployed at the Beitbridge Border Post to ensure a seamless reception and expedite border clearance.
"Resources have been directed towards ensuring the safe and dignified return of every Zimbabwean who wishes to come back home," Soda said.
To ease the relocation, the government has extended duty concessions previously granted to holders of the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit, a document that allowed Zimbabweans to live, work, or study in South Africa.
Under this arrangement, returnees may import one vehicle duty-free, with value-added tax applied under flexible valuation terms, Soda noted. The rebate also covers personal and household goods, including commercial equipment, provided they were purchased before Dec. 31, 2022.
Furthermore, the government has directed all local schools to enroll children of returning families, instructing that no child be denied access to education within their catchment area.
Zimbabweans constitute one of the largest immigrant communities in South Africa, where rising anti-immigration sentiments have recently prompted many to return home.
