The Department of Home Affairs has noted media reports suggesting undocumented Zimbabwean nationals face deportation since they are unlikely to meet the deadline of 31 December 2010 for their regularisation.
Minister of Home Affairs Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma today reiterated, “The deadline of 31 December 2010 is for the submission of applications by Zimbabwean nationals who are not documented in South Africa. To ensure that all Zimbabweans have the opportunity to apply to be regularised we are allowing applications to be accompanied by receipts for their passports applications still to be processed by the Zimbabwean government.
We have also relaxed the application process so that those without passports but only identity documents are able to attach copies of these to their applications. And for those who have no hard copies of their documents but only ID numbers, we have asked the stakeholder groups for lists of such nationals so that we can liaise with the Zimbabwean government to verify nationality of such citizens and request that their applications for documents be expedited.”
“As at Wednesday, 22 December 2010, we have received 128493 applications, of which 43087 have been adjudicated. This leaves 85406 that need to be adjudicated. Of those that have been adjudicated, 32241 have been approved and 10844 denied.”
“Naturally then, processing of these applications will continue well into the New Year. Zimbabwean nationals who applications for regularisation have been rejected also have the option to appeal this decision. Only when all these processes have been completed and finalised in both countries, including the issuance of outstanding passports from the Zimbabwean government, will we begin to deport those nationals who are now in the country illegally.”
“I am also convinced that all Zimbabwean nationals will have an opportunity to hand in their applications. Although processing of applications is continuing, our most urgent priority is to receive the applications of all those who want to be documented. We have even relaxed the processes to ensure that all those who want to be documented will have an opportunity to do so.”
“It is also important to understand that this is not the first time Zimbabweans have been asked to apply to be documented in South Africa. The agreement between the respective countries, South Africa and Zimbabwe, was signed by the former Minister and was implemented between April 2009 and April 2010. The period from 20 September to 31 December 2010 was therefore intended to provide those who had not applied by the end of April 2010 with an extended period to do so. Therefore, far from Zimbabweans having only three months to submit to this process, they have had a year and three months.”
“However, I am convinced that my Department is committed to ensuring that all Zimbabwean nationals are documented so they can begin to live productive lives in South Africa, free from fear of persecution. To this end, all senior officials have not been granted leave, the two shift a day system and regular working hours at all offices are in place over the holiday period,” concluded Minister Dlamini Zuma.
Enquiries:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
