Deportations drop at Plumtree border post

The number of Zimbabwean illegal immigrants being deported from Botswana since 2009 to date has fallen by over 50 percent; statistics from Plumtree Border Post have shown.

According to statistics from the Immigration Department at the country's western border, a total of 19 996 Zimbabwean nationals have been repatriated from the neighboring country since the beginning of the year up to November 25, representing a 58.4 percent decline from the 2009 figure of 48 145.

"We have since 2009 been experiencing a decline in the number of repatriated Zimbabwean nationals coming from Botswana due to probably improved economy and the now affordable passport fees at the Registrar General's Office," said Nqobile Ncube, Western Region Assistant Regional Immigration officer in-charge, at Plumtree Border Post.

He said last year 31 1333 deportees passed through Plumtree Border Post, a figure which is 17 012 less than that one of 2009.

According to recent statistics from the International Organisation of Migration (IOM) at least 2 000 Zimbabweans are deported every month from neighboring countries with Botswana topping the list with 500 deportees.

To date, over 22 000 illegal Zimbabwean immigrants have been deported from Botswana and South Africa this year, 4 000 of which were processed at Beitbridge Border Post since last month, as the two neighbouring countries intensify deportations of undocumented nationals.

South Africa also resumed deportations after the moratorium on undocumented Zimbabweans collapsed about two months ago.

Out of the more than 1. 5 million Zimbabweans estimated to be staying in South Africa; only about 250 000 had have reportedly had their applications processed under the Zimbabwe Documentation Project.

Meanwhile, Ncube said the Immigration Department at Plumtree Border Post had engaged the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, the Registrar General's office and their Botswana counterparts to have the border post open for 24 hours from 22 December up to Christmas Day, as they expect an influx of travellers.

Plumtree Border Post handles an average of 2 500 travellers on a normal working day on both entry and exit points and the figure doubles during the festive season.

Ncube added that some South African-based Zimbabweans prefer Plumtree border to Beitbridge when coming home during the festive season due to perceived congestion at the latter, contributing to the influx, which he said has always been "well-managed."