Zimbabwe Exempts Foreign Diplomats From Mandatory Quarantine
The government of Zimbabwe has exempted foreign diplomats coming into the country from mandatory quarantine saying that is the position consistent with international law.
This position was revealed in a statement dated 4 May 2020 that was sent to Diplomatic Missions and International Organisations in the country.
We present the statement in full below.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Republic of Zimbabwe presents as compliments to all the Diplomatic Missions and International Organisations accredited to the Republic of Zimbabwe and has the honour to clarify to the latter some issues pertaining to the application of the lockdown regulations following the announcement of the two-week extension by His Excellency the President on 19 April 2020.
The Ministry wishes to advise that according to the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, all diplomats are largely exempted from restrictions applicable to locals due to the, special status protected under International Law though they are, however, expected to observe the laws and regulations of the host country. In this regard, all diplomats who have resident permits, upon arrival from outside the country, should be screened and if they exhibit manifest symptoms of COVID-19, have to be tested and isolated pending final results. Those diplomats who have no symptoms will be left to proceed home to undergo self-quarantine at their private residences for the required mandatory period. In the event that the screening indicates a problem (rise in temperature), they will be subjected to a PCR test and then allowed to go into self-quarantine at the place of residence. However, the Heads of Missions will be expected to ensure that the, returning diplomats comply with self-quarantine measures.
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During the course of self-quarantine, the Health authorities and law enforcing agencies may pay a visit to verify compliance. The verification visits will be scheduled through the Protocol Department.
The Ministry further wishes to advise all Diplomatic ‘,fissions and International Organisations that there will be no blanket exemption from testing requirements.
Diplomatic Missions and International Organisations will be required to notify the Ministry in advance of any returning member of their staff or dependents for the relevant authorities to ensure that they enter with minimal disruptions. In the event that a member of a Diplomatic Mission or International Organisation is quarantined, the Ministry will communicate with the concerned organisation to that effect for purposes of information and Consular access as per laid down procedures.
Missions will be informed in the event that their citizens are put in quarantine so that consular access can be granted.
The diplomatic community shall be bound by the laws and regulations made during the lockdown period in so far as the regulations are made to reduce the spread and enhance the containment of the COVID-19 virus while recognizing the need to guarantee the execution of essential functions of Diplomatic Missions and International Organisations.
All Diplomatic Missions and International Organisations are advised that the Ministry’s contact points are: Legal and Consular Directorate on legalconsular@zimfa.gov.zw and Protocol Directorate on protocoldirectorateqmail.com
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Republic of Zimbabwe avails itself of this opportunity to renew to all Diplomatic Missions and International Organisations accredited to Zimbabwe the assurances of its highest consideration.
Harare 4 May 2020
All Diplomatic Missions and International Organisations Harare
