More Than 26,000 Undocumented Zimbabweans Return Home from South Africa Ahead of Immigration Deadline

BEITBRIDGE – At least 26,000 undocumented Zimbabweans have returned from South Africa since late May as the neighbouring country intensifies immigration enforcement ahead of a deadline for undocumented foreign nationals to leave or regularise their stay. Official figures released by authorities show that 25,966 Zimbabweans returned between May 28 and June 22, 2026, with 24,211 making their own way home through the Beitbridge Border Post, while 1,755 vulnerable returnees were assisted by the Zimbabwean Government through the Beitbridge Reception Centre.

Government officials say efforts are underway to ensure returnees are safely transported to their home provinces and reintegrated into their communities. Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland South, Albert Nguluvhe, welcomed the repatriation programme, saying the Government was working with partners to support those returning.

"I am happy these returnees are not just being dumped in Beitbridge but are being assisted by Government and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to go to their respective provinces. Let us welcome our brothers and sisters with open hands," Nguluvhe said.

He added that some returning families had raised concerns over school placements and tuition fees for their children.

"Some parents are worried that their children will not get places at school and will not have money for fees, but I have assured them that I will engage the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education so that the children can be accommodated," he said.

According to officials at the Beitbridge Reception Centre, the Government-assisted group included 406 adult men, 581 adult women, and 767 children, comprising accompanied and unaccompanied minors.

Social Welfare Superintendent Nobuhle Ncube said the majority of returnees originated from Harare and Mashonaland West provinces. She said the reception centre was experiencing resource constraints as the number of arrivals continued to increase.

"Government has assisted 1,755 people since May 28. We have a large kitchen, but we lack the resources and manpower to prepare meals. Some of the returnees are young children who require hot meals such as porridge in the mornings," Ncube said.

She said the International Organization for Migration (IOM) was supporting the operation by providing food vouchers and transport assistance.

Regional Immigration Officer Joshua Chibundu said Zimbabwean authorities continued to facilitate the smooth return of citizens through Beitbridge.

"We do not turn away anyone who comes back. We sometimes verify nationality, but all Zimbabwean citizens are welcomed home. So far, 24,211 undocumented Zimbabweans have self-repatriated," he said.

In a statement issued on June 21, the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works appealed for additional support from development partners, churches, non-governmental organisations, humanitarian agencies, and the private sector to strengthen reintegration efforts.

"Relevant departments have been activated to receive returnees at the border and within communities. The response requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach," the ministry said.

One returnee, who requested anonymity, said deteriorating conditions and safety concerns in South Africa had forced his family to return after 13 years.

"I can do any job and that is how I survived in South Africa. But things have become very difficult, especially in Cape Town. We decided to come back to keep our children safe," he said.

The increase in voluntary returns comes as South Africa continues tightening immigration enforcement, prompting many undocumented Zimbabweans to return home while Government agencies prepare to assist with their reintegration.

Undocumented Zimbabweans return from South Africa