OVERSTAYED BY 278 DAYS: Chinese National Ordered to be Deported from Zimbabwe

CHITUNGWIZA — A Zimbabwean court has ordered the immediate deportation of a 52-year-old Chinese national, Xu Jianguo, after he was found to have remained in the country unlawfully for 278 days following the expiration of his work permit.

The court heard that Xu Jianguo arrived in Zimbabwe on June 10, 2024, via Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport on a single-entry business visa. He was subsequently granted a Temporary Employment Permit on July 22, 2024, which expired exactly one year later on July 22, 2025. Instead of exiting the country or renewing his documentation, Xu remained in Zimbabwe for an additional 278 days.

The convict's luck ran out on April 27, 2026, when detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Chitungwiza received a tip-off regarding an undocumented foreign national living in Kuora Village, Seke. Upon being located by authorities at approximately 12:30 pm, Xu Jianguo claimed he was married to a Zimbabwean national, Rosina Sachiwo. However, a verification of his passport confirmed that he had been without a valid permit since July 2025. Following his initial arrest, he was handed over to the CID Counter Terrorism Unit for further management.

Appearing before Chitungwiza Magistrate Batsirai Madzingira, Xu was charged with contravening the Immigration Act [Chapter 4:02], specifically for remaining in Zimbabwe without a valid permit.

• Sentence: Four months’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years on condition of good behavior.

• Deportation: The Magistrate ordered that he be deported to his country of origin, China.

• Evidence: His passport was produced in court as primary evidence of the 278-day overstay.

The State’s case was led by public prosecutor Shamiso Charmaine Mwapangira. This case serves as a stern reminder of the tightening of immigration oversight in Zimbabwe as authorities move to crack down on undocumented residents.

How do you think marriage to a local citizen should impact the deportation process for individuals who have significantly overstayed their legal permits?

Chinese national deported Zimbabwe overstay