In December 2024, Zimbabwe documented 49,220 movements, with a 67% increase from the previous month due to the holiday season. Key influxes originated from Gauteng province in South Africa. Notably, the South Africa-Zimbabwe corridor recorded the highest movement activity, predominately short-term and economic-related.
Flow Monitoring Report Overview: In December 2024, a total of 49,220 movements were recorded in Zimbabwe, with 1,102 migrants interviewed at 22 Flow Monitoring Points. The demographic of those interviewed consisted of 52% female and 48% male migrants, indicating a balanced gender representation within the migrant population. Furthermore, the survey revealed that 89% of the participants identified as Zimbabwean nationals while 6% identified as Zambians.
Migration Trends in December: The report noted a significant 67% increase in overall movements compared to the previous month, largely attributed to the December festive holiday. Inflows constituted 74% of movements, while 26% were outflows. Key sending districts included Beitbridge (62%), Harare (14%), and Chiredzi (6%), while receiving districts were Harare (31%), Bulawayo (24%), and Beitbridge (12%).
Regional Migration Dynamics: Matabeleland South province experienced the highest outflow at 65%, with a significant portion of migrants headed to South Africa—specifically to Limpopo (62%), Eastern Cape (18%), and Gauteng (17%). Conversely, Harare province recorded the highest influx, with 58% of arrivals coming from Gauteng and 11% from Lusaka.
Corridor Movement Statistics: The South Africa-Zimbabwe corridor demonstrated the most activity, with 46,204 recorded movements, while the Zambia-Zimbabwe corridor recorded 3,016 movements. The nature of these movements varied; 54% were classified as short-term and 15% as long-term economic activities in the South Africa-Zimbabwe corridor. Similarly, 59% of movements in the Zambia-Zimbabwe corridor were short-term, while 25% were long-term economic movements.
Border Control Figures: The Zimbabwe Department of Immigration Control reported substantial traffic through major border posts, with Beitbridge facilitating 322,931 entries and 185,814 exits, alongside Chirundu’s 19,886 entries and 4,254 exits throughout the same period.
The Flow Monitoring Report for December 2024 highlights significant migration dynamics in Zimbabwe, marked by a substantial increase in movement primarily due to the festive season. The South Africa-Zimbabwe corridor remains a focal point of migration activity. Monitoring this seasonal pattern is vital for understanding the socioeconomic implications for the region.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
