Zim ready to receive nationals back
BUSINESS REPORTER
Zimbabwe is ready to receive its nationals living in South Africa as the exemption permits are set to expire at the end of the year, Foreign Affairs and International Trade minister Frederick Shava has said.
About 2 million Zimbabweans are living in South Africa after escaping the deteriorating economic environment.
In his remarks at the midterm review of the Zimbabwe-South Bi-National Commission review in Pretoria yesterday, Shava said the pending expiry of the Zimbabwe Exemption Permits is “naturally causing much anxiety to the holders of this permit”.
“Our two governments must work closely in the implementation of this decision. We are ready to receive our nationals back home,” Shava said.
He appealed to Zimbabweans in South Africa to observe and respect the laws of South Africa, condemning “all and any form of criminality” on the part of Zimbabwean nationals in South Africa and elsewhere in the world.
Shava said it was important to note in discussions that migration is a worldwide phenomenon which is best managed through co-ordinated actions.
“In respect of our two countries, there are on-going, even current joint activities at the Beitbridge/Musina Border to combat criminal activities such as unauthorised entry and smuggling of goods.
“We encourage our law enforcement agencies to continue their cooperation in efforts aimed at combating cross border criminality between our two countries,” he said.
South Africa’s International Relations and Co-operation minister Naledi Pandor told a media briefing that said her country appreciates that Zimbabwe has been saying that those offered an opportunity to apply for visa within the current immigration laws of South Africa should do so as has been requested.
“We are glad that the Government of Zimbabwe has been clear in articulating this statement and I would encourage all holders of the ZEP to take the step to regularise.
“Time is running short, it’s up to December and it’s important to apply so that the applications are properly considered and the appropriate permit work visa, resident or other permit would then be properly processed and issued,” Pandor said.
“So we agreed that this process must run as smoothly as possible and all of us should cooperate.”
