The New Year period witnessed a massive influx of Zimbabweans into South Africa, with authorities estimating that 20,000 crossed the border illegally in the first three days of 2025 alone.
This surge follows the Christmas and New Year holidays, during which many Zimbabweans who reside and work in South Africa returned home to visit family. The situation has created significant challenges for border control officials, highlighting the ongoing pressure on South Africa’s immigration system and the complex realities of cross-border migration between Zimbabwe and South Africa.
While over 10,000 Zimbabweans officially passed through the Beitbridge Border Post – the busiest land port in Southern Africa – between January 1st and 4th, South African broadcaster Newsroom Afrika reported that a significantly larger number entered the country illegally. This mass movement reflects the dire economic situation in Zimbabwe, where many are seeking better opportunities in neighbouring countries.
South Africa is home to an estimated two million Zimbabweans, many of whom are seeking economic relief from Zimbabwe’s struggling economy. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports that over half of these Zimbabweans entered South Africa without proper documentation. This is largely due to the high cost of obtaining necessary documents in Zimbabwe. A passport costs US$150, a significant sum for the average Zimbabwean, whose earnings range from US$150 to US$300.
For some, the risks of illegal immigration to South Africa outweigh the hardships of remaining in Zimbabwe, where unemployment is rampant.
“It’s better to go and suffer in South Africa running away from the authorities because we don’t have proper immigrant documents than to suffer in this country which has no job opportunities for us as the youths,” one anonymous illegal immigrant told the news crew.
He further explained his situation: “I moved to South Africa early last year and there is little progress in my life than the past three years I was home searching for employment ever since I graduated in 2019.”
The situation is further complicated by South Africa’s efforts to address illegal immigration, which is believed to contribute to high crime rates and unemployment. Last year, the South African Home Affairs department re-established the Immigration Advisory Board, tasked with overseeing the employment of undocumented migrants and advising on the future of the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP). The ZEP, a special waiver allowing Zimbabwean migrants to work and conduct business in South Africa, is set to expire in November 2025, adding to the pressure on Zimbabweans already in the country.
The consequences of illegal entry into South Africa are severe. Undocumented migrants risk six months imprisonment or deportation if apprehended. Dr Michael Masiapato, Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), confirmed that his team, during an operation at Beitbridge on January 4th, arrested over 120 illegal immigrants. He also noted that many more were intercepted attempting to cross the Limpopo River.
“We deployed drones and we have been able to arrest more than 120 people who tried to enter the country illegally,” he stated.
He further revealed that of the approximately 20,000 people crossing the border on January 4th, 3,000 were entering Zimbabwe, many of them pedestrians. This highlights the scale of the movement and the challenges faced by border authorities in managing the flow of people.
The BMA has confirmed that preparations are in place to manage the expected influx of travellers returning to South Africa.
