The Zimbabwean government has registered over 15 000 citizens returning from South Africa (SA) under an ambitious employment and skills-matching initiative designed to integrate returnees into the domestic workforce.

The scheme forms part of a broader, three-pronged reintegration strategy, spanning social, economic, and cultural support, to assist thousands of citizens who are resettling across the country.

Official figures presented to Cabinet show that 15 065 returnees have had their professional skills catalogued across 52 identified job sectors. The majority of registered qualifications fall within domestic work, construction and bricklaying, and agriculture. Authorities hope that mapping these skills will help plug domestic labour shortages while ensuring returning families can build sustainable livelihoods.

The total number of citizens returning from SA has now surpassed 108 000. Of these, more than 33 800 have been repatriated through state-coordinated arrangements, while an estimated 74 500 have self-repatriated. A further 790 citizens have returned through various entry points along the border with Botswana.

To manage the logistics of the influx, state authorities have co-ordinated over 400 bus trips from the Beitbridge Repatriation Centre to transport citizens directly to their home provinces. Harare Metropolitan, Manicaland, Midlands, and Bulawayo have recorded the highest numbers of arrivals.

Healthcare support remains a key component of the reception process. A dedicated clinic operating at the Beitbridge transit facility has provided medical attention and screening to nearly 1 500 returnees.

Government security agencies have also maintained heightened screening and surveillance procedures at all international border posts to ensure orderly processing as the repatriation programme continues.

–ChannelAfrica–