Nearly 7000 People Leaving Zimbabwe for South Africa, Daily
The South African Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that between 6 000 and 7 000 Zimbabweans are entering the country through the Beitbridge Border Post in Limpopo Province every day.
The influx comes after the department removed visa restrictions on Zimbabweans following an agreement with the government of Zimbabwe. Under the agreement, Zimbabweans are allowed to be in South Africa for 90 days without a visa.
Zimbabweans have welcomed the lifting of visa restrictions saying the move makes entry into South Africa more accessible. Skeptics in Zimbabwe, however, have said the South African have an ulterior objective in lifting the visa requirements.
They argue that the visa requirements have been removed at time when Zimbabwe has become a dependent state, wholly dependent on South Africa for goods and services.
The removal of the visa requirements will also mean that Zimbabweans will be used as cheap labour as South Africa prepares for the 2010 World Cup.
Earlier this month, the Department of Home Affairs withdrew the visa requirement for Zimbabweans for a period of a year. Zimbabweans say previously, they could not afford the R2 000 required for a visa.
The South African government had previously set conditions for the special 90 day visitor permit. Zimbabweans had to meet several requirements which included entering the country via an official port of entry, having travel documents, financial sustainability for the 90 days and returning to Zimbabwe when the 90 days expire.
Between two and three million Zimbabweans are estimated to have fled that country’s hunger and political instability for South Africa. Many of those who entered South Africa did so illegally.
Additional reporting: Harare Tribune
Posted by Raymond Mhaka
on May 18, 2009. Filed under Local News.
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