News / Africa
Zimbabweans in South Africa should be respected: Rights Group
27 Jun 2011 at 17:34hrs | Views
Zimbabweans in South Africa should receive access to basic rights and services without prejudice, as thousands of Zimbabweans had been denied this access despite being in the final stages of receiving their permits under the Zimbabwean Dispensation Project, People Against Suffering Oppression and Poverty (Passop) said on Monday.
The rights group appealed to employers, banks, schools, hospitals... to note that those who possess a receipt of their application for a permit maintain their rights as legal immigrants.
Under the project, they had the right to work, study or run businesses while their application was still pending and depending on the type of permit they had applied for.
They were also allowed access to their bank accounts and healthcare as well as free movement within the country.
In September, the home affairs department appealed to Zimbabweans living in the country to get their documentation in order to "regularise" their stay in South Africa.
The process was aimed at ensuring Zimbabweans complied with South Africa's immigration laws, and led normal lives without the constant fear of deportation.
The moratorium on deportations would be lifted on July 31.
Passop said the department had been consistent and transparent in the process of adjudication and it was pleased with the efficient processing of applicants.
The rights group appealed to employers, banks, schools, hospitals... to note that those who possess a receipt of their application for a permit maintain their rights as legal immigrants.
Under the project, they had the right to work, study or run businesses while their application was still pending and depending on the type of permit they had applied for.
They were also allowed access to their bank accounts and healthcare as well as free movement within the country.
In September, the home affairs department appealed to Zimbabweans living in the country to get their documentation in order to "regularise" their stay in South Africa.
The process was aimed at ensuring Zimbabweans complied with South Africa's immigration laws, and led normal lives without the constant fear of deportation.
The moratorium on deportations would be lifted on July 31.
Passop said the department had been consistent and transparent in the process of adjudication and it was pleased with the efficient processing of applicants.
Source - Sapa
