Time running out for SA-based Zimbos
ZIMBABWEAN immigrants living in South Africa are reportedly desperate to come back home, but most of them fear that life may be hard because of lack of jobs and a harsh economic climate in the country.
Time is running out for an estimated 180 000 Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) holders after South Africa said it would not renew the permits when they expire in December this year.
As the deadline nears, Zimbabwean immigrants and other foreign nationals in that country have been a target of raids and other xenophobic attacks from locals, who accuse them of stealing their jobs.
Migrants Workers Association-SA chairperson Butholezwe Nyathi said his organisation had been inundated with calls from fellow citizens desperate to return home.
“Many Zimbabweans, some who were holders of the permits and some who have resided irregularly in South Africa, are beginning to accept the reality that their time to reside in South Africa is limited, hence they have started to make plans to relocate back home,” Nyathi said.
“We have now also opened an office in Bulawayo to receive those who will be repatriated or deported.
“A project has been designed by the African Development Consortium, a registered not-for-profit company to run services that include a paralegal clinic, voluntary repatriation, sustainable projects as well as psycho-social services.”
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