By Innocent Nxumalo
GOVERNMENT has proclaimed special immigrants’ rebates expected to cushion citizens returning from South Africa upon expiry of exemption permits in that country.
The 30th of June 2023 sees the expiry of Zimbabwe Exemption Permits for some Zimbabwean nationals in South Africa.
With the development set to see some Zimbabwean nationals returning home, government says it is ready to receive its nationals and has since put in place cushioning rebates.
“They are our people and government will continue to avail more rebates to cushion them. We have instructed our departments to implement all stipulated cushioning measures,” said the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Hon. Ruth Maboyi.
Immigration and customs officials said they are streamlining government interventions for Zimbabwean returnees.
“As a frontline department in our national entrance points, we are making sure that all returning Zimbabweans are informed on special packages crafted by government,” said Assistant Regional Immigration Officer, Mr Trustworth Manatsire.
ZIMRA Customs and Excise Officer Mr Batsirai Chadzingwa said, “The immigrants rebate is extended to our Zimbabwean people would have resided outside the country for two years or more, those who qualify for such rebates can bring in personal property like cars duty free.”
Government measures to cater for its returning nationals include easy access to documents such as birth certificates and national IDs, duty free on property they wish to take home including their cars, access to schools for returning kids, and free transport to their destination of choice.
Currently, migration statistics continue surging at Zimbabwe’s biggest border post, Beitbridge, with authorities clearing an average of over 20 000 travellers per day for the past two weeks.
