Vusumuzi Dube
Ivan Zhakata
ZIMBABWE continues to strengthen its position as a leading migration and investment destination in the region, recording a significant surge in traveler movement during the first quarter of 2025.
This was revealed by Ms. Respect Gomo, Chief Director in the Department of Immigration, who attributed the positive trend to the country’s openness, abundant natural resources, and progressive policy reforms.
“In the first quarter alone, we recorded a total of 2 095 649 traveller movements. Of these, 1 051 577 were entries into the country and 1 044 095 were exits,” she said.
Ms Gomo noted that this represents a 17 percent increase compared to the 1 788 873 traveller movements recorded during the same period in 2024.
She highlighted Zimbabwe’s vast mineral wealth, fertile land, and stunning tourism destinations as key attractions — not only for tourists but also for serious investors.
“Our beautiful nation remains a significant pull factor for migration. Zimbabwe is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after investment destinations,” said Ms Gomo.
Investor confidence is reflected in the sharp rise in investor residence permits, which increased from 333 in Q1 2024 to 454 in Q1 2025.
While Temporary Employment Permits (TEPs) saw a slight decline from 2 629 to 2 249, Ms Gomo emphasised that investment interest remains strong and continues to drive Zimbabwe’s economic repositioning.
She also commended ongoing national efforts to promote safe, regular, and orderly migration, in line with Zimbabwe’s National Migration Policy.
“Migration governance is an opportunity to uphold the dignity and pride of humanity as people willingly move from one place to another. Zimbabwe is committed to aligning its systems with global standards to ensure the protection and regulation of all migrants,” she said.
However, Ms Gomo acknowledged the complexities of migration, noting that some foreign nationals attempt to bypass legal processes in order to remain in the country. To address this, the Department has intensified its crackdown on irregular migration.
“In the first quarter of 2025, we conducted 65 multi-stakeholder operations under the ‘Comply or Leave’ campaign — nearly double the 31 operations carried out during the same period last year. These led to 146 arrests, up from 122 in Q1 2024,” said Ms Gomo.
Arrests included nationals from Malawi (37), Ethiopia (24), China (21), the DRC (19), Mozambique and Zambia (8 each), among others.
However, deportations declined, with 239 prohibited immigrants deported in Q1 2025 compared to 385 in Q1 2024. Ms Gomo attributed this to more effective screening and early interventions.
She stressed that harnessing migration is vital to Zimbabwe’s broader development goals.
“Modern societies are built on well-managed migration. Our vision for an upper-middle-income economy by 2030 is within reach — thanks in part to our strong migration governance systems,” she said.
Online Reporter