BEITBRIDGE, Jul. 13 (NewsDay Live) – Thousands of Zimbabweans returning home amid escalating anti-migrant protests and xenophobic violence in South Africa say they are being issued with five-year re-entry bans after being processed by immigration authorities at the border.
Returnees told NewsDay that South African immigration officials collected their biometric data, including fingerprints and facial images, before classifying undocumented migrants as “undesirable persons”, a designation that bars them from re-entering the country for up to five years under South African immigration laws.
The development comes as South Africa intensifies enforcement of recently announced Comprehensive Approach for Migration Management, a strategy aimed at strengthening border security, improving immigration controls and addressing illegal migration.
Several returnees alleged they were subjected to extensive biometric registration before being repatriated.
“They took our fingerprints and scanned our eyes like we are hardened criminals,” said Mthabisi Siziba (34), who said he had worked informally in Johannesburg for eight years.
“I didn’t produce my passport, but they scanned my face and fingerprints. We were all given forms to complete, attached our fingerprints and everything was captured into their computers,” he said.
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For many migrants, the repatriation has also separated families.
“I had to leave my children with their legal aunt in Pretoria because I panicked when the protests reached our township,” said Zanele Ndlovu (34).
“By taking our details and enforcing this five-year ban, they have ensured I cannot go back to my babies. The South African government is using these marches as an excuse to throw us out permanently without a fair hearing.”
South African authorities have previously stated that undocumented foreign nationals found to have violated immigration laws may be declared undesirable and prohibited from re-entering the country for a specified period.
The latest crackdown has heightened anxiety among Zimbabwean migrants, many of whom rely on employment in South Africa to support families back home. Critics argue that while governments have a legitimate responsibility to enforce immigration laws, implementation should be balanced with due process and the protection of human rights.
NewsDay was unable to immediately obtain comment from South Africa’s Border Management Authority or the Department of Home Affairs on the allegations made by the returnees.