BEITBRIDGE The border post here currently serves almost 20 000 a day crossing back and forth between Zimbabwe and South Africa, an official has said. This means there will be a very busy festive season, but we have a decongestion strategy where we want to open up more counters so that we expedite the clearance process. We can assure travellers that there will be a full staff complement during the festive holidays,” said Assistant Regional Manager in charge of Beitbridge Border Post, Charles Gwede.
The scrapping of visa requirements for Zimbabweans travelling to South Africa has reduced border jumping but increased legitimate crossings.
Prior to the new visa regime, Zimbabweans wishing to travel to South Africa were required to produce travellers cheques of R 2000 to prove that they could sustain themselves and also produce an invitation letter from their host in that country.
They were only given leave to stay in South Africa for 30 days, overstaying their visa meant a fine of R1000 per day.
In May this year, the South African Home Affairs ministry scrapped the visa requirements and reviewed the visiting period to 90 days. They also relaxed the conditions for acquiring employments permits.
Post published in: Politics