Zimbabweans Repatriated From South Africa May Face Five-year Ban After Being Declared “Undesirable”

Thousands of Zimbabweans repatriated from South Africa under a government-assisted programme following anti-illegal immigrant protests may face a five-year ban on re-entry, after reportedly being declared “undesirable” by South African immigration authorities.

More than 21,000 citizens have reportedly been helped to return home by the Zimbabwean government since the repatriation exercise began on 28 May 2026. An estimated 56,832 others have returned on their own.

Ngqabutho Nicholas Mabhena, chairperson of the Zimbabwe Community in South Africa, told CITE his organisation was particularly concerned that those processed under the repatriation programme had reportedly been declared undesirable by South African authorities.

“We also call on the South African government not to declare these individuals undesirable,” said Mabhena.

“Zimbabwe’s economy is largely informal, and many of these people survive through cross-border trade.

“If they are banned, it becomes very difficult for them to rebuild their livelihoods.”

Mabhena explained that the “undesirable” status was applied specifically to those handled under the formal repatriation scheme.

“Those who are simply visiting South Africa and later decide to return home are not being repatriated,” he said.

“But those using the government-assisted transport are taken to the processing centre where they are fingerprinted and their details recorded before proceeding to the border. Even if they have passports, they are declared undesirable.”

On its X page, South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA) said immigration officials use a monitoring system known as the “V-list” to record people declared prohibited or undesirable under the country’s Immigration Act.

The BMA said travellers who overstay by fewer than 30 days are declared undesirable for 12 months.

A repeat offence within 24 months carries a 24-month ban, while overstaying by more than 30 days leads to a five-year declaration of undesirability.

The authority said affected travellers can apply to have the ban lifted by giving compelling reasons and supporting evidence to the Department of Home Affairs.

Each application is assessed individually and checked before a decision is made.