The ManicaPost
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
GOVERNMENT remains committed to creating well-defined Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that will effectively cater for the needs of vulnerable migrants returning to the country, a Government official has said.
This comes after the realisation that over the past years the country has recorded an upsurge in irregular migration into the country.
Presenting at a workshop on SOPs for the return and reintegration of vulnerable migrants in Zimbabwe, which is currently underway in the city, Director in the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Mr Clemence Gono, said the formation of well-defined SOPs feeds into the National Development Strategy (NDS1)’s social protection pillar.
“SOPs are an important tool for us to ensure that our processes are performed consistently and efficiently, with the benefits of having such being consistency, compliance, risk management and continuous improvement. We remain committed to filling the existing gap in the reintegration process, to provide actionable policy recommendations, and ensuring sustainable reintegration strategies for vulnerable migrants,” he said.
With funding from the Korea International Cooperating Agency (KOICA), International Organisation for Migration (IOM) is hosting the workshop in partnership with Government.
The workshop brings together stakeholders from various Government ministries, agencies, and organisations to develop SOPs that are migrant-centered, gender-sensitive, and aligned with existing national frameworks.
Addressing the participants, IOM’s Head of Beitbridge Sub-office, Mr Nhamo Muleya, highlighted the growing number of irregular migration in the country.
According to Mr Muleya, Zimbabwe has experienced an increase in irregular migration over the past two to three decades; predominantly involving youths migrating to neighboring countries, notably South Africa and Botswana.
He said the trend has raised concern among migration experts and officials as many of these migrants are vulnerable to exploitation, abuse, and human rights violations.
“While official statistics on the exodus and irregular migration are lacking, proxy data from deportations from South Africa and Botswana suggest the magnitude of the phenomenon. Over 580 000 returning Zimbabwean nationals have been received at the Beitbridge Reception and Support Centre, highlighting the need for effective measures to address this issue,” he said.
In addition to these trends, Mr Muleya presented statistics on mobility flows and migration patterns in Zimbabwe.
“In the first quarter of 2024, a total of 899 179 individuals crossed Zimbabwe’s official border points, including 407 874 entries and 491 305 exits. Furthermore, 14 155 migrants were forcibly returned to Zimbabwe from neighboring countries and beyond in 2023, with an additional 4 332 individuals returned in the first quarter of 2024,” he said.
The IOM also monitored irregular migration routes and observed a total of 192 069 individuals at nine Formal Migration Points (FMPs) around Beitbridge in 2023, including 78 739 entries and 113 330 exits.
“These statistics and insights provide valuable information on migration patterns and trends in Zimbabwe, highlighting the importance of continued efforts to address the needs of vulnerable migrants and promote safe and orderly migration practices,” he said.
