South Africa migration debate: Zimbabwean community seeks amnesty as returnees face five‑year ban

The Zimbabwe Community in South Africa urged Parliament to grant a temporary amnesty for undocumented migrants until 31 December 2026 and to restore legal migration pathways outlined in the 2017 White Paper on International Migration. The proposal, presented by community chair Ngqabutho Nicholas Mabhena, aims to allow long‑standing workers and entrepreneurs to regularise their status or leave the country with dignity amid heightened anti‑immigrant sentiment.

At the same time, Zimbabweans who voluntarily left South Africa after anti‑immigrant demonstrations are being barred from re‑entering for up to five years. As Home Affairs spokesperson Luthando Mavuso explained, “All we can do as Home Affairs is declare people undesirable.” Affected individuals reported that the ban jeopardises their ability to earn a living, support families with remittances, and access essential services, with one man saying, “I am told they are now banning us for five years…"