Zambia Repatriates Nationals from South Africa Amid Anti-Immigration Unrest

More than 100 Zambians have registered their intention to return home following anti-immigration protests in parts of South Africa, government has confirmed.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, 47 Zambian nationals were successfully repatriated last month under an ongoing voluntary programme coordinated with South African authorities.

Permanent Secretary for International Relations and Cooperation Etambuyu Anamela Gundersen said the exercise was being facilitated through a coordinated government effort involving the Office of the Vice President, the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit, Cabinet Office, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and the Zambia High Commission in Pretoria.

She said the programme was designed to assist Zambians who had voluntarily expressed a wish to return home, while the Mission continued to monitor developments alongside relevant South African authorities.

On Saturday 20 June, teams from the Zambia High Commission were deployed to Durban and East London to assist nationals and coordinate the repatriation exercise. Government is now facilitating the return of registered nationals in collaboration with South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation and other stakeholders.

Gundersen confirmed that no Zambian national had been reported injured in connection with the protests.

The High Commission is encouraging all Zambians living in South Africa to register on ZamSA Connect, an online platform established to maintain an up-to-date database of citizens in the country and enable the Mission to provide timely consular support. Registration can be completed via the Mission's WhatsApp line on +27 70 397 5908 or online at www.zambiasagroup.com.