IOM supports returnees amid rising returns from South Africa
CHENGETAI MURIMWA
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) says it is working closely with the Government of Zimbabwe to support returning migrants from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks, with hundreds of Zimbabweans already repatriated through the Beitbridge border post.
According to IOM Zimbabwe Media and Communications Associate, Fadzai Nyamande Pangeti, a total of 533 Zimbabwean migrants have so far been repatriated from South Africa through Beitbridge under government-supported arrangements.
“This is a developing situation, and while we are seeing return movements at border points such as Beitbridge and Plumtree, the drivers remain mixed and not all returns can be directly attributed to recent tensions,” Nyamande Pangeti said.
She said returnees arriving in Zimbabwe are being received by the Department of Social Development and other border authorities, with assistance including counselling, social support and onward transportation to various destinations across the country.
Nyamande Pangeti said IOM is supporting the Government of Zimbabwe to ensure systems are in place to respond to emerging needs and guarantee that assistance is delivered in a safe, dignified and orderly manner.
Immediate support being provided to returnees includes registration and profiling to identify vulnerable individuals, food and water assistance, health screening and referrals, psychosocial support, information services and transport assistance.
“IOM is working closely with the Government of Zimbabwe through an inter-ministerial coordination approach, including the Department of Social Development and other relevant agencies, to ensure a coordinated and protection-sensitive response,” she said.
The organisation is also helping to strengthen reception arrangements at points of entry, screening and referral mechanisms, access to psychosocial and protection services, and coordination among relevant agencies.
Beyond emergency relief, Nyamande Pangeti said IOM’s focus is on supporting the sustainable reintegration of returnees and reducing the risk of further vulnerability.
Programmes being implemented include case management for vulnerable returnees, mental health and psychosocial support, livelihoods assistance, skills development and community-based reintegration initiatives.
She added that IOM is also promoting social cohesion programmes aimed at addressing stigma and fostering peaceful coexistence within communities receiving returnees.
“These efforts build on the initial support provided at reception, such as psychosocial care, food assistance and transport, to ensure continuity of support as returnees reintegrate into their communities,” Nyamande Pangeti said.
However, she noted that reintegration outcomes would depend on factors such as local economic conditions and access to essential services, adding that more data was needed to fully understand returnees’ long-term intentions and mobility patterns.
The recent xenophobic tensions in South Africa have raised concerns across the region, prompting governments and humanitarian agencies to strengthen preparedness measures in anticipation of a possible increase in return migration.
