SOUTH Africa abolish the use of border passes by Zimbabweans

 

The pass was introduced following a mutual agreement between the SA and Zimbabwean governments to facilitate movement of Zimbabweans who live within a radius of 20 km from the border.

 

The two governments signed a memorandum of understanding in 2005.

According to a circular, the new regulations came following a directive from the Home Affairs Department headquarters in Pretoria.

 

“The document issued in lieu of a passport by the Zimbabwean authorities should not be recognised as a travel document since it falls outside the definition of a passport as contained in a section of the Immigration Act 2002. It does not contain information and characteristics as prescribed in Regulation of the Immigration Act, therefore holders of such a document should not be permitted entry to the Republic,” read part of the circular.

The document was signed by a Mr G.B Joseph on behalf of the South Africa Immigration Policy and Directives National Immigration branch in Pretoria.

 

When contacted for a comment head of Musina Immigration office Mosis Chauke refused to comment referring to question to Pretoria.

Home Affairs spokesperson Jack Mashapu could not either deny or confirm the development.

 

This pass is not only for Zimbabweans but it can benefit all the SADC country but thetre are people who are now taking advantage of this to come and stay in South Africa without proper documents Mashapu said

 

The scrapping of border passes comes barely a month after the two countries under the Joint Commission on Defence and Security discussed the abolition of visas for Zimbabweans travelling to South Africa.

 

Last month the Zimbabwean immigration officials gave their SA counterparts proposals to relax stringent visa requirements as part of measures to eventually abolish the visa to South Africa.

 

South Africa Home Affairs ministerial spokesperson Cleo Mosana confirmed that South Africa is relaxing visa requirement to Zimbabwean but refused to give more details Yes indeed we are relaxing some of the requirements. Surely, I can’t speak about the outcome as yet, She said