South Africa to Deport 250,000 Zimbabweans Amid Tightened Immigration Laws and Xenophobic Attacks

South Africa is set to deport approximately 250,000 Zimbabweans by the end of 2024 as the government strengthens immigration regulations and xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals escalate in the country. The move comes after the South African government announced plans to end the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit in 2023, which had allowed Zimbabweans to live and work in South Africa.

The impending deportations have raised concerns about the safety of Zimbabwean immigrants, many of whom have been targeted in recent xenophobic attacks. The violence has been fueled by anti-immigrant sentiment and accusations that foreigners are taking jobs away from South Africans in a country grappling with high unemployment rates.

Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, who has been at the forefront of the government's efforts to crack down on illegal immigration, is facing an assassination threat over the cancellation of the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit. The threat highlights the heightened tensions surrounding the issue of immigration in South Africa.

Why this matters: The mass deportation of Zimbabweans from South Africa will have significant humanitarian and economic consequences for both countries. It will put immense pressure on communities in Zimbabwe that are already struggling with high unemployment, strained social services, and a severe humanitarian crisis.

Zimbabwe is currently facing a cholera epidemic that has affected over 28,000 people and caused 589 deaths, as well as high HIV prevalence rates. The United Nations estimates that 2.6 million people in Zimbabwe, including 1.7 million children, are in urgent need of assistance due to climatic shocks, a deteriorating economy, and disease outbreaks.

The European Union has provided humanitarian aid to Zimbabwe, allocating €3.5 million in 2024 and €8.5 million in 2023 to support cash assistance, humanitarian coordination, disaster preparedness, and health promotion efforts in the country. However, the impending influx of deportees from South Africa is likely to exacerbate the already dire situation in Zimbabwe.

The South African government's decision to end the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit and the subsequent deportations have drawn criticism from human rights organizations and advocacy groups. They argue that the move violates the rights of Zimbabwean immigrants and puts them at risk of violence and persecution upon their return to Zimbabwe.

As the 2024 deadline approaches, the fate of the 250,000 Zimbabweans facing deportation remains uncertain. The South African government has stated that it will work with the Zimbabwean authorities to ensure a smooth repatriation process, but concerns about the safety and well-being of the deportees persist. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with calls for South Africa to uphold the rights of immigrants and ensure their protection.

Key Takeaways

• South Africa to deport 250,000 Zimbabweans by 2024 due to immigration crackdown.
• Deportations raise concerns about safety of Zimbabwean immigrants facing xenophobic attacks.
• Zimbabwe faces a cholera epidemic, high HIV prevalence, and humanitarian crisis exacerbated by deportations.
• EU provides humanitarian aid to Zimbabwe, but influx of deportees may worsen the situation.
• Deportations criticized as violating immigrant rights, with calls for South Africa to ensure protection.