Zimbabwe Brings Home Nearly 100,000 Nationals Amid South Africa Tensions

Zimbabwe has repatriated nearly 100,000 citizens from South Africa since late May amid growing anti-immigration tensions. The government says most returnees are women and children and has expanded support services while continuing to assist citizens returning home.

Zimbabwe has repatriated nearly 100,000 of its citizens from neighbouring South Africa as anti-immigration tensions continue to affect foreign nationals living in Africa's most industrialised economy.
The large-scale return operation, which began in late May, comes amid growing concerns over the safety and welfare of Zimbabweans and other African migrants following protests targeting undocumented immigrants in parts of South Africa.
Government officials say the repatriation exercise remains ongoing as more citizens continue to request assistance to return home.

GOVERNMENT CONFIRMS MASS REPATRIATION

Information Minister Zhemu Soda said a total of 99,418 Zimbabwean citizens were repatriated between 28 May and 10 July 2026 through a coordinated operation involving government agencies and development partners.
According to the minister, the programme has focused on ensuring the safe return of vulnerable citizens while responding to the increasing demand for transportation and humanitarian support.
He noted that the number of Zimbabweans seeking to return home has continued to rise.

WOMEN AND CHILDREN MAKE UP MAJORITY OF RETURNEES

Authorities said more than 70 percent of those who have returned are women and children.
Officials explained that many families chose to leave South Africa because of growing insecurity and fears of further unrest.
The government says priority has been given to vulnerable groups requiring urgent assistance upon arrival.

RECEPTION CENTRES
PROVIDE EMERGENCY SUPPORT

Zimbabwe has established reception centres at the Beitbridge Border Post to assist returning citizens.
The centres provide temporary accommodation, meals, medical care and other humanitarian services before returnees continue to their respective communities across the country.
Officials say the facilities have helped ease pressure on families arriving after long journeys.

REGIONAL COUNTRIES ALSO EVACUATE THEIR CITIZENS

Zimbabwe is not the only country assisting its nationals.
Several African governments, including Nigeria, Ghana and Mozambique, have organised buses and aircraft to evacuate citizens from South Africa.
The coordinated efforts reflect growing concern among regional governments over the safety of their nationals amid increasing anti-immigration sentiment.

TENSIONS CONTINUE IN SOUTH AFRICA

The repatriation exercise follows months of protests against undocumented migrants in several South African communities.
Although Nigeria, Ghana and Mozambique have reported that some of their citizens were killed during the unrest, South African authorities have rejected claims that the deaths were directly linked to the anti-immigration protests.
The issue has continued to generate debate across the region as governments seek to balance immigration enforcement with the protection of foreign nationals.

ZIMBABWE PLEDGES CONTINUED ASSISTANCE

The Zimbabwean government says it will continue working with humanitarian organisations and regional partners to support citizens returning from South Africa.
Officials have also pledged to expand assistance programmes if the number of returnees continues to increase.
The repatriation programme is expected to remain active while authorities monitor developments across the border and respond to the needs of Zimbabwean nationals seeking to return home.