Staff Reporter
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has expressed satisfaction with Zimbabwe’s migration policy, highlighting it as a model for creating opportunities through regular migration.
This endorsement came during a meeting in Harare yesterday between IOM Council Chairperson, Her Excellency Dr. Katharina Stasch, and Zimbabwe’s Minister of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare, Honourable July Moyo.
During their discussions, Minister Moyo emphasised several flagship projects that Zimbabwe has undertaken in collaboration with the IOM, highlighting that these projects focus on supporting returning migrants, reintegration efforts, and enhancing migration data collection.
"In Beitbridge, we anticipated a significant return of Zimbabweans from South Africa, and in response, we partnered with IOM to build a reception centre. This facility provides psychosocial support and reintegration orientation for returning citizens.
“We have also developed a memorandum of understanding with Rwanda, allowing Zimbabweans to work there, and we are assisting those wishing to go overseas, including students. We have established centres in Harare and Bulawayo for these purposes,” explained Minister Moyo.
Minister Moyo emphasised the critical challenge on the lack of comprehensive migration data, pointing out the absence of accurate statistics on Zimbabweans living abroad, despite the rising inflow of remittances into the country.
"We are seeing a high volume of remittances, but we are not documenting our people who are going outside the country. Similarly, we need more data on inward migration, particularly those coming to work in Zimbabwe on employment permits,” said Minister Moyo.
Additionally, Minister Moyo stressed on Government efforts in addressing the issue of unaccompanied children crossing borders, particularly during holiday seasons when the numbers tend to spike.
"We have established special facilities in high-prevalence areas like Beitbridge and Plumtree to ensure the safety and care of these vulnerable children. These border areas have been equipped with dedicated resources to manage and support unaccompanied minors,” he added.
IOM Council Chairperson, Dr. Katharina Stasch commended Zimbabwe for its proactive stance on migration policy and its efforts to forge international partnerships that benefit its citizens.
"I am very pleased to have had the opportunity to discuss several important issues with the Minister, particularly the challenges posed by climate change and how it influences migration. We also touched on Zimbabwe's migration policies, including the memoranda of understanding the country is negotiating with other nations.
“I want to congratulate Zimbabwe on its policy for regular migration, which is creating numerous opportunities for many people. I look forward to learning more about these initiatives during my visit,” said Dr. Stasch.
As Zimbabwe continues to address migration challenges and opportunities, the discussions between IOM and the Government also explored potential areas of cooperation and strategies for tackling common regional issues.
With an emphasis on data collection, international collaboration, and welfare support, Zimbabwe’s migration policy is positioning the country as a key player in the region's migration landscape.
