Zimbabwean faces crisis as SA moves to arrest, dep...

Zimbabwean faces crisis as SA moves to arrest, deport illegals

Zim Now Reporter

Zimbabwe could soon be battling with accommodation of an influx of thousands of returnees after South Africa announced a sweeping nationwide operation to clamp down on illegal immigrants.

The operation, set to begin on March 1, 2025, will see the arrest, detention and deportation of illegal immigrants as South Africa battles an increasingly ailing economy and faces potential sanctions and censure from the western countries led by the US over impending land redistribution in the African country.

**File image of some of the 90 000 Zimbabweans deported from SA in a previous operation**

In a statement issued on February 25, 2025, South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs spokesperson, Siya Qoza, confirmed that the operation will target undocumented immigrants from Zimbabwe, Somalia, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Malawi.

“The Department of Home Affairs, under the directive of the Honourable Minister, hereby informs all foreign nationals residing unlawfully in the Republic of South Africa of an impending national operation aimed at enforcing the country’s immigration laws,” the statement read.

Ooza urged undocumented foreign nationals to either regularize their stay or voluntarily leave the country before the operation begins.

The deportation of hundreds of thousands of Zimbabweans could have significant repercussions for Zimbabwe which is already struggling with economic instability, high unemployment, and limited social services.

The rise in armed robberies in Zimbabwe has already been linked with SA based hardcore criminals turning to Zimbabwe as the security forces in SA toughen their stance against foreign criminals.

Returnees are likely to face reintegration challenges, including a lack of housing, employment opportunities, and access to healthcare.

The influx of deportees could strain Zimbabwe’s already fragile economy, as many locals rely on remittances from South Africa to support their families.

According to the World Bank, remittances from South Africa constitute a significant portion of Zimbabwe’s GDP, and a sudden reduction in these funds could further exacerbate poverty levels.

In previous instances of mass deportations, the Zimbabwean government has struggled to provide adequate support for returnees. During similar crackdowns in 2019 and 2021, the government established temporary reception centers near the Beitbridge border post to assist deportees.

However, these centers were often overwhelmed, with reports of poor living conditions and limited resources.