In December 2024, Zimbabwe recorded 49,220 movements, with most migrants being Zimbabwean nationals. Significant inflows and outflows were documented, primarily related to commerce and economic activities. The South Africa-Zimbabwe corridor accounted for the highest movements, primarily focused on short-term and long-term engagements. Additionally, substantial entries and exits were reported at major border posts.
In December 2024, a total of 49,220 movements were recorded, with 1,102 migrants, comprising 52% female and 48% male, interviewed across 22 Flow Monitoring Points (FMPs) in Zimbabwe. The majority of migrants surveyed, 89%, identified as Zimbabwean nationals, while 6% were Zambians. Specifically, 61% of the interviewed Zambians traveled to Zimbabwe for commercial activities, predominantly in the clothing sector.
There was a notable 67% increase in total movements compared to the previous month, attributed to the festive holiday season. Inflows constituted 74% of these movements, in contrast to outflows, which made up 26%. The primary sending districts included Beitbridge (62%), Harare (14%), and Chiredzi (6%), while the main receiving districts were Harare (31%), Bulawayo (24%), and Beitbridge (12%). Matabeleland South province experienced the highest outflows (65%), and Harare province noted the most inflows (32%).
Migrants originating from Matabeleland South primarily journeyed to South Africa’s Limpopo (62%), Eastern Cape (18%), and Gauteng (17%). Among those arriving in Harare, 58% had come from Gauteng province and 11% from Lusaka province in Zambia. The South Africa-Zimbabwe corridor saw the most significant number of movements (46,204), with the Zambia-Zimbabwe corridor following with 3,016 movements. Migrants along these corridors primarily engaged in short-term (54% for South Africa-Zimbabwe and 59% for Zambia-Zimbabwe) and long-term economic activities (15% and 25% respectively).
Additionally, the Zimbabwe Department of Immigration Control documented significant border activity, with 322,931 entries and 185,814 exits at the Beitbridge border post and 19,886 entries and 4,254 exits at the Chirundu border post.
The flow monitoring report indicates a substantial increase in migrant movements in Zimbabwe during December 2024, predominantly influenced by the festive season. The data reveals significant migration activities between Zimbabwe and its neighboring countries, particularly South Africa, emphasizing the role of economic opportunities in migration patterns. The findings highlight the active cross-border movement dynamics and the varying trends in inflows and outflows in multiple regions within Zimbabwe.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
