Zimbabwe Repatriates Over 155,000 Citizens From South Africa

The Government of Zimbabwe repatriated 155,202 of its citizens from South Africa following a wave of anti-immigrant protests in the neighboring country. Acting Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa reported that the government directly assisted 42,339 people in their return, while 112,863 individuals returned independently.

In addition to its own citizens, Zimbabwe facilitated the repatriation of 86,300 Malawian nationals traveling back to Malawi. To manage the sudden influx of people, Zimbabwean authorities have strengthened disease surveillance protocols.

To support the re-integration of returnees, the government is conducting a comprehensive skills audit. Mutsvangwa stated that 60,737 individuals have already been recorded in a database used for profiling and documenting the skills and qualifications of those returning home.