Deportation of Zimbabweans resumes in the UK

Zimbabwe's former colonial master, Britain, refuge to thousands of people escaping economic and perceived political persecution in the last decade and half, has resumed deportations of Zimbabweans who had sought refugee in that country.

In response to questions regarding the issue, the British embassy in Harare confirmed the resumption of deportations that began in 2010, following the consummation of the coalition government in 2009, that presided over Zimbabwe up to the harmonised elections in July last year.

"In October 2010, the UK government announced the resumption of forced returns to Zimbabwe for failed asylum seekers judged by the UK Border Agency and the independent courts to have no right to remain in the UK," an emailed response from the embassy said. 

"This decision reflects the improved stability in Zimbabwe since 2009 and the UK courts' view that not all Zimbabweans are in need of international protection".

The embassy could, however, not say whether those being forced to return home were eligible for a 1 000 pound-stipend but said those voluntarily returning to Zimbabwe would benefit from the UK Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) programmes.

"Zimbabwean nationals are eligible for the UK's (AVR) programmes. The programmes are designed to achieve a dignified and sustainable return for any national leaving the UK voluntarily. The AVR scheme is applicable to those without permanent immigration status in the UK who wish to make a lasting return home," the embassy said.

The embassy could also not be drawn to say the number of people who have been deported since the beginning of the year.

Since the turn of the century millions of Zimbabweans fled into the diaspora, the majority of them to South Africa, while others ended up in western countries as well as New Zealand and Australia in search of greener pastures as the country's economic fortunes plummeted. Deportees have fought against extraditions in the courts with mixed fortunes but since 2009 the semblance of stability has meant it has become increasingly difficult for asylum seekers to claim political persecution as a reason for their flight.

Meanwhile more than two million Zimbabweans living and working in South Africa will soon be heading home as work permits they received under the Special Dispensation for Zimbabwean Project (SDZP) will be expiring in a few months.

In 2009, most Zimbabweans living illegally in South Africa obtained four-year permits under SDZP and most of the permits are expiring in September.

The permits, granted to Zimbabweans were work, study and business class that facilitated their uninterrupted stay in that country and thus suspending deportations.