Zimbabwe Repatriates Over 3,600 Citizens Amid South Africa Crisis

Zimbabwean authorities have successfully repatriated more than 3,600 citizens who were displaced by anti-immigrant violence in South Africa. The government is intensifying efforts to assist those still awaiting return, navigating security checks and border processing delays. Approximately 3,624 Zimbabweans had returned by June 26, 2026, according to a statement from Information Minister Dr. Zhemu Soda.

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As of the 26th of June 2026, approximately 3,624 of our nationals had been successfully repatriated and received back in the country.

An inter-ministerial team is operating at the Beitbridge Border Post to expedite the processing and immediate support for returnees. President Emmerson Mnangagwa has personally mandated government departments to guarantee that every Zimbabwean wishing to return does so safely and with dignity. "His Excellency, the President, Cde Dr E. D. Mnangagwa has directed resources towards ensuring the safe and dignified return of every Zimbabwean who wishes to come back home," Soda stated.

The government acknowledged the frustration caused by processing delays, attributing them primarily to mandatory security screening by South African authorities. Zimbabwean officials noted that they cannot intervene until South Africa completes its background checks. "We must address the delays that some of our returnees have experienced. Current delays in the processing of returnees are a result of profiling requirements by the South African authorities," the minister explained.

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His Excellency, the President, Cde Dr E. D. Mnangagwa has directed resources towards ensuring the safe and dignified return of every Zimbabwean who wishes to come back home.

To ease the financial burden on returning citizens, Zimbabwe has introduced special duty concessions. These allow returnees to import one motor vehicle duty-free, though value-added tax will still apply under flexible arrangements. The exemption also covers personal household goods and business equipment acquired before December 31, 2022, subject to verification to prevent misuse. The government emphasized that newly purchased items are not eligible for this concession.

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We must address the delays that some of our returnees have experienced. Current delays in the processing of returnees are a result of profiling requirements by the South African authorities.