Repatriation and Reintegration of Zimbabwean Citizens Returning from South Africa: A Call for a National Policy

Repatriation and Reintegration of Zimbabwean Citizens Returning from South Africa: A Call for a National Policy The Zimbabwe Informal Workers Association (ZIWA) has observed with growing concern the challenges currently facing many Zimbabwean citizens living and working in the Republic of South Africa. Thousands of Zimbabweans have spent years contributing to the South African economy while at the same time supporting families and communities back home through remittances. Today, many of these citizens are living under increasing uncertainty due to changing immigration policies, economic hardship and rising social tensions. As an organization representing informal workers, we believe Zimbabwe must prepare itself to receive returning citizens with dignity, compassion and practical support. ⸻ A National Responsibility Repatriation should never be treated as an emergency reaction alone. It should be guided by a comprehensive national policy that ensures every Zimbabwean returning home can do so safely and with dignity. A National Repatriation and Reintegration Policy should provide clear procedures for transportation, temporary assistance, documentation, economic reintegration and community support. ⸻ Housing Must Be Protected Many Zimbabweans returning from South Africa have invested their life savings into building homes in Zimbabwe. Unfortunately, concerns regarding land disputes, illegal occupations and housing insecurity have created uncertainty for many families. Returning home should never mean returning to homelessness. ZIWA therefore encourages the relevant authorities to strengthen mechanisms that protect legally owned residential properties and provide effective dispute resolution where necessary. ⸻ Temporary Customs Relief for Returning Citizens Returning families often bring back household furniture, work equipment, tools of trade and other legally acquired personal belongings. ZIWA respectfully calls upon the Government of Zimbabwe to consider introducing a temporary customs relief programme that would allow returning citizens to import their personal effects during a defined grace period. Such a policy would reduce hardship, encourage orderly repatriation and assist families in rebuilding their lives without unnecessary financial burdens. ⸻ Economic Reintegration Returning citizens possess valuable skills, business experience and entrepreneurial knowledge gained over many years. Zimbabwe should view them not as a burden but as an important national asset capable of contributing to economic recovery. Government institutions, financial institutions, local authorities and development partners should work together to provide: * Small business support. * Skills recognition. * Access to finance. * Informal sector support. * Vocational training. * Market access. * Youth employment programmes. ⸻ Planning Before Crisis Effective governance requires preparation before circumstances deteriorate. ZIWA believes that early planning will reduce humanitarian challenges while promoting national stability and orderly reintegration. Preparing today will ensure Zimbabwe is ready whenever citizens choose or need to return home. ⸻ ZIWA’s Appeal The Zimbabwe Informal Workers Association respectfully calls upon: * The Government of Zimbabwe. * Parliament. * Relevant Ministries. * ZIMRA. * Local Authorities. * Development Partners. * Civil Society Organisations. to work together in developing a comprehensive National Repatriation and Reintegration Policy that protects the dignity, property, livelihoods and future of every returning Zimbabwean citizen. Zimbabweans abroad remain part of our national family. When they return home, they should find opportunity, security and hope—not uncertainty. ⸻ Conclusion Every Zimbabwean deserves the assurance that home will always remain a place of safety, dignity and opportunity. A well-designed National Repatriation and Reintegration Policy would demonstrate Zimbabwe’s commitment to protecting its citizens during times of uncertainty while strengthening national unity and long-term economic development. ZIWA stands ready to contribute constructively to any national dialogue aimed at achieving this important objective.