Story by Aifheli Mudau
GOVERNMENT has introduced a dedicated green route at Beitbridge Border Post to speed up the clearance of Zimbabweans returning home under the ongoing repatriation programme.
The express lane is aimed at easing congestion at the country’s busiest port of entry, with border authorities implementing flexible measures to ensure Government-assisted returnees are processed efficiently.
Returnees have welcomed the initiative, saying it has significantly reduced delays at the border.
“As you arrive at the border, you are instructed to remain on the bus before proceeding directly to the reception centre,” one returnee said.
Another said the streamlined process had made the journey home easier.
“We were allowed to pass through the border with our belongings without any difficulties. When we arrived at the reception centre, we were assisted and allocated buses to continue our journey home,” the returnee said.
Officials say the green route is expected to improve the efficiency of the repatriation exercise while reducing inconvenience for returning citizens.
ZIMBORDERS Manager Mr Nqobile Ncube said the initiative reflects the commitment of border stakeholders to facilitate the smooth movement of returnees.
“The green route is intended to minimise inconveniences for our fellow Zimbabweans returning under the repatriation programme. Border stakeholders agreed to establish an express lane to make the entire process faster and more efficient,” he said.
Regional Immigration Officer Mr Joshua Chibundu said authorities revised procedures after identifying operational challenges involving buses arriving from South Africa.
“We experienced a situation where buses from South Africa were dropping passengers at the border before completing the necessary processes. Following consultations with stakeholders, it was agreed that all buses should proceed directly to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Reception Centre, where all immigration and administrative processes are completed before passengers are allocated onward transport to their respective destinations,” he said.
The continued influx of Zimbabwean and Malawian returnees through Beitbridge Border Post has prompted Government to mobilise additional resources to ensure the repatriation exercise is conducted efficiently and with minimal delays
