Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
ZIMBABWE continues to cement its status as a top migration and investment destination in the region, recording a surge in traveller movement in the first quarter of the year.
This was revealed by Immigration Department chief director Ms Respect Gono, who credited the country’s openness, rich resources and policy reforms for the positive trend.
“In the first quarter alone, we recorded a total of 2 095 649 traveller movements,” she said.
“Of these, 1 051 577 were entries into the country and 1 044 095 were exits.”
Ms Gomo said this reflected a 17 percent rise compared to 1 788 873 traveller movements recorded in the same period last year.
She said Zimbabwe’s vast mineral wealth, fertile land and breathtaking tourism destinations were not just drawing tourists, but serious investors too.
“Our beautiful nation remains a significant pull factor for migration. Zimbabwe is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after investment destinations,” Ms Gono said.
Investor confidence is evident in the sharp increase in investor residence permits, which rose from 333 in Q1 2024 to 454 in Q1 2025.
While Temporary Employment Permits (TEPs) dipped slightly from 2 629 to 2 249, Ms Gomo said the investment interest remains robust and continues to drive Zimbabwe’s economic repositioning.
The chief director also commended the ongoing national efforts to uphold safe, regular and orderly migration, as guided by Zimbabwe’s National Migration Policy.
“Migration governance is an opportunity to uphold the dignity and pride of humanity as people wilfully move from one place to another,” she said.
“Zimbabwe is committed to aligning its systems with global standards to ensure the protection and regulation of all migrants.”
Yet, Ms Gomo acknowledged the complexities of migration and said some foreign nationals attempt to circumvent legal processes in a bid 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 in the same period last year,” Ms Gono said.
“These led to 146 arrests, up from 122 in Q1 2024.”
Arrests included nationals from Malawi (37), Ethiopia (24), China (21), the DRC (19), Mozambique and Zambia (8 each), among others.
However, deportations saw a decline, with 239 prohibited immigrants deported in Q1 2025 compared to 385 in Q1 2024, which Ms Gomo attributed to more effective screening and early interventions.
She said harnessing migration was vital for Zimbabwe’s broader developmental goals.
“Modern societies are a result of well-harnessed migration opportunities. Our vision for an upper-middle income economy by 2030 is within reach, thanks in part to our strong migration governance systems,” she said.
As Zimbabwe continues to engage with the international community and open its borders to business, migration remains at the heart of its economic transformation story.
