News / National
Zimbabwean youths flee in droves
21 Oct 2023 at 13:54hrs | Views
According to a recent report, Zimbabwean youths constitute the largest group of people leaving the country in significant numbers following the general elections on August 23. Many of them are choosing to settle in the United Kingdom (UK), the United States, and Canada. Frustration due to decreasing opportunities in a nation grappling with rapid de-industrialization and currency instability is a major driving factor.
Data from international organizations, confirmed by authorities, has indicated a surge in emigration in the aftermath of the elections. The presidential election results were rejected by the main opposition party, Citizens Coalition for Change.
A recent report by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) also confirmed a notable increase in migration following the August polls. The Canadian, US, and UK embassies have been actively processing visas for Zimbabwean applicants seeking to leave.
The IOM report highlighted that 55% of those leaving were from Matabeleland South, followed by Beitbridge with 49%. It was also noted that 14% of migrants were departing from Harare.
The report mentioned that "Seventy percent of migrants indicated that South Africa was their final intended destination. Of the migrants going to South Africa, 37% were looking for livelihood opportunities, 19% were seeking employment, while 15% were traveling for family reunification. Twenty-six percent of those traveling to South Africa were females aged between 26–35 years."
In response to questions, Respect Gono, the director-general at the Department of Immigration, mentioned that her records did not show an increase in migration due to many people refusing to fill out departure forms. She confirmed that some Zimbabweans were leaving hastily, making it challenging to track the numbers.
The Ministry of Home Affairs is responsible for monitoring border crossings, including recording the departure of citizens and visitors.
In a 2020 report, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) disclosed that 580,000 youths had left Zimbabwe in search of better opportunities. Lack of employment opportunities was cited as the primary reason for leaving the country, with South Africa being the most preferred destination, followed by Botswana.
Zimbabwe has a long history of cross-border mobility, with highly skilled and semi-skilled Zimbabweans emigrating to countries like the UK, the US, Canada, South Africa, and Botswana in pursuit of better prospects.
The UK, in particular, has become a popular destination for Zimbabwean youths due to its need to replenish its healthcare workforce after the COVID-19 pandemic's impact. Some of these migrants are even leaving professional roles to work as caregivers in the UK.
It is estimated that approximately three million Zimbabweans are residing in other countries, with the majority in South Africa.
Data from international organizations, confirmed by authorities, has indicated a surge in emigration in the aftermath of the elections. The presidential election results were rejected by the main opposition party, Citizens Coalition for Change.
A recent report by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) also confirmed a notable increase in migration following the August polls. The Canadian, US, and UK embassies have been actively processing visas for Zimbabwean applicants seeking to leave.
The IOM report highlighted that 55% of those leaving were from Matabeleland South, followed by Beitbridge with 49%. It was also noted that 14% of migrants were departing from Harare.
The report mentioned that "Seventy percent of migrants indicated that South Africa was their final intended destination. Of the migrants going to South Africa, 37% were looking for livelihood opportunities, 19% were seeking employment, while 15% were traveling for family reunification. Twenty-six percent of those traveling to South Africa were females aged between 26–35 years."
The Ministry of Home Affairs is responsible for monitoring border crossings, including recording the departure of citizens and visitors.
In a 2020 report, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) disclosed that 580,000 youths had left Zimbabwe in search of better opportunities. Lack of employment opportunities was cited as the primary reason for leaving the country, with South Africa being the most preferred destination, followed by Botswana.
Zimbabwe has a long history of cross-border mobility, with highly skilled and semi-skilled Zimbabweans emigrating to countries like the UK, the US, Canada, South Africa, and Botswana in pursuit of better prospects.
The UK, in particular, has become a popular destination for Zimbabwean youths due to its need to replenish its healthcare workforce after the COVID-19 pandemic's impact. Some of these migrants are even leaving professional roles to work as caregivers in the UK.
It is estimated that approximately three million Zimbabweans are residing in other countries, with the majority in South Africa.
Source - the independent
