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Matebeleland South tops migration outflows
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Matebeleland South province has recorded the highest number of people leaving Zimbabwe, accounting for 55% of all migration outflows, according to the latest International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Flow Monitoring Registry report.
The province, which borders South Africa, continues to experience high migration as residents move in search of better economic opportunities. Masvingo province followed with 17% of the total outflows.
The IOM said a total of 34,135 individual movements were observed across 22 flow monitoring points (FMPs) throughout Zimbabwe, with 1,099 migrants surveyed during the reporting period. Of those movements, 66% were inflows and 34% were outflows, while 90% of respondents identified as Zimbabwean nationals.
The report identified Beitbridge, Harare and Chiredzi as the main sending districts, while Harare, Beitbridge and Bulawayo were the top receiving districts.
Migrants from Matebeleland South were primarily destined for Limpopo (63%) and Gauteng (33%) provinces in South Africa, confirming the province's long-standing migration ties with the neighbouring country.
"Eighty-nine percent of the interviewed migrants were along the Zimbabwe–South Africa corridor, while 11% were at the Zimbabwe–Zambia corridor," the report stated.
At formal border posts, the Beitbridge Border Post recorded 200,305 entries and 186,591 exits, while Chirundu registered 19,758 entries and 20,431 exits, according to data from the Department of Immigration Control.
The IOM said the top reasons for movement were returning to existing employment (21%), seeking livelihood opportunities (18%), family reunification (17%), and searching for new jobs (13%).
A majority of those returning to employment (92%) were heading to South Africa, having started their journeys in Zimbabwe.
Among the surveyed migrants, 41% reported being employed, 31% were unemployed but seeking work, while 19% were self-employed, often engaged in informal vending, livestock rearing, or poultry farming.
Remittances were cited as a key income source for 14% of Zimbabwean households, with most funds used for food and household expenses.
The report highlighted several social and health-related shocks affecting migrants. About 34% experienced the death of a close family member, 30% faced health issues within their families, and 16% reported job loss.
Vulnerable groups identified included 362 pregnant women, 214 unaccompanied children, and 88 individuals living with chronic illnesses.
The IOM noted that Harare province had the highest inflows (25%), followed by Matebeleland South (21%). The organisation said migration patterns reflected a combination of economic pressures, family networks, and cross-border trade opportunities, especially along the Zimbabwe–South Africa corridor, which remains the busiest in Southern Africa.
The province, which borders South Africa, continues to experience high migration as residents move in search of better economic opportunities. Masvingo province followed with 17% of the total outflows.
The IOM said a total of 34,135 individual movements were observed across 22 flow monitoring points (FMPs) throughout Zimbabwe, with 1,099 migrants surveyed during the reporting period. Of those movements, 66% were inflows and 34% were outflows, while 90% of respondents identified as Zimbabwean nationals.
The report identified Beitbridge, Harare and Chiredzi as the main sending districts, while Harare, Beitbridge and Bulawayo were the top receiving districts.
Migrants from Matebeleland South were primarily destined for Limpopo (63%) and Gauteng (33%) provinces in South Africa, confirming the province's long-standing migration ties with the neighbouring country.
"Eighty-nine percent of the interviewed migrants were along the Zimbabwe–South Africa corridor, while 11% were at the Zimbabwe–Zambia corridor," the report stated.
At formal border posts, the Beitbridge Border Post recorded 200,305 entries and 186,591 exits, while Chirundu registered 19,758 entries and 20,431 exits, according to data from the Department of Immigration Control.
A majority of those returning to employment (92%) were heading to South Africa, having started their journeys in Zimbabwe.
Among the surveyed migrants, 41% reported being employed, 31% were unemployed but seeking work, while 19% were self-employed, often engaged in informal vending, livestock rearing, or poultry farming.
Remittances were cited as a key income source for 14% of Zimbabwean households, with most funds used for food and household expenses.
The report highlighted several social and health-related shocks affecting migrants. About 34% experienced the death of a close family member, 30% faced health issues within their families, and 16% reported job loss.
Vulnerable groups identified included 362 pregnant women, 214 unaccompanied children, and 88 individuals living with chronic illnesses.
The IOM noted that Harare province had the highest inflows (25%), followed by Matebeleland South (21%). The organisation said migration patterns reflected a combination of economic pressures, family networks, and cross-border trade opportunities, especially along the Zimbabwe–South Africa corridor, which remains the busiest in Southern Africa.
Source - Southern Eye
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