New statistics published by Zimstats have revealed that there are 773,246 Zimbabweans living in South Africa, compared to around 574,000 estimated back in 2016.
This accounts for the largest number of emigrants seeking better financial opportunities outside Zimbabwe.
The total number of Zimbabweans living outside the country amounted to 908 913, the statistics agency added.
“The (2022 census) data indicate that the most emigrants from Zimbabwe were based in the southern African region and, in particular, South Africa, with 773,246, and Botswana, with 47,928. For overseas countries, the UK had 23,166 emigrants,” Zimstats said in its Preliminary Report on Migration under the 2022 Housing and Population Census.
The report shows 84% of Zimbabweans who left the country “emigrated for employment reasons”, while 9% and 5% “emigrated for family reasons and study/education,” respectively.
Zimbabwe’s economy continues to suffer the impact of an estimated 80% unemployment, IOL reports, and according to the Zimbabwe Federation of Trade Unions, “about 65% of the already depleted formal sector has been affected by retrenchments” in 2022.
In addition, although there are over 773,000 Zimbabweans settled in South Africa, around 58% of Zimbabwe’s expat population is from South Africa. Initial migration findings from the Zimbabwean census reveal there are 236,246 foreigners residing in Zimbabwe, with South Africans making up 137,594 of these.
South Africa’s government has extended permits for Zimbabweans living and working in the country without the correct documentation until June 2023, the IOL report goes on to add.
Furthermore, along with Mozambique, Zimbabwe accounted for the highest number of African tourists visiting South Africa during the first six months of the year.
“So far in 2022, Zimbabwe accounted for most arrivals to South Africa. The legal arrivals,” Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu stated.
News you might like
Zimbabwe Dollar falls to record low ahead of currency announcement
The Zimbabwean currency has fallen to another all-time low as residents sought refuge in the stability of the US dollar amid speculation the central bank is on the verge of making an announcement regarding the future of the local currency.
posted on 03.04.2024
RBZ urges govt incentives on diaspora investments
Zimbabwe’s central bank, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ), called on the government on Monday to provide fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to diaspora investments due to their massive contribution to total foreign currency inflows in the country.
posted on 05.12.2023
Zimbabwe Dollar falls to record low ahead of currency announcement
The Zimbabwean currency has fallen to another all-time low as residents sought refuge in the stability of the US dollar amid speculation the central bank is on the verge of making an announcement regarding the future of the local currency.
posted on 03.04.2024
RBZ urges govt incentives on diaspora investments
Zimbabwe’s central bank, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ), called on the government on Monday to provide fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to diaspora investments due to their massive contribution to total foreign currency inflows in the country.
posted on 05.12.2023
Media contact
deVere Zimbabwe’s Public Relations Department deals with all areas of the media and external communications including international, national, regional, local, trade, consumer, print, broadcast, social and online. The Department aims to provide a helpful service to journalists, broadcasters and editors, amongst others, and reply to all media enquiries, including urgent enquiries out of hours, within agreed deadlines. Our press office does not have access to client details and will not be able to assist with individual client enquiries. Please contact deVere Zimbabwe’s Head of Public Relations on [email protected] or call +44 2071220925