Government Grants Duty Relief to Returning Zimbabweans from South Africa

The Government has announced a package of customs concessions for Zimbabweans returning from South Africa, allowing eligible citizens to import personal property and one motor vehicle under duty relief measures aimed at easing their reintegration into society.

The intervention follows recent disturbances in South Africa that have prompted the return of thousands of Zimbabweans, with authorities moving to cushion affected citizens from the financial burden associated with relocating back home.

Speaking on the measures, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Zhemu Soda said Treasury had extended concessions previously available to holders of Zimbabwe Exemption Permits to the current group of returnees through the immigrants’ rebate of duty framework.

He said access to the facility would be subject to strict verification procedures to ensure that only genuine beneficiaries qualify and to prevent abuse of the programme.

Under the arrangement, eligible returnees will be permitted to import personal household effects under duty rebate provisions, while one motor vehicle may be brought into the country under suspension of customs duty. However, Value Added Tax (VAT) will remain payable on imported vehicles.

Minister Soda added that Government would apply flexible valuation mechanisms to facilitate the clearance process and ensure a smoother transition for returning citizens.

The customs concessions form part of a broader Government response to support Zimbabweans returning from South Africa, reflecting ongoing efforts to promote orderly resettlement, safeguard livelihoods and assist citizens as they rebuild their lives back home.

Authorities say the measures are designed not only to reduce the cost of relocation but also to encourage economic reintegration by enabling returnees to bring essential personal assets and productive resources into the country with greater ease.

By Witness A Phiri