In December 2024, Zimbabwe documented 49,220 movements, interviewing 1,102 migrants, predominantly Zimbabwean nationals (89%). There was a 67% increase in movements compared to the previous month due to the festive season. The South Africa-Zimbabwe corridor accounted for the highest movements, while the majority of migrants engaged in short-term and long-term economic activities across both corridors.
In December 2024, a total of 49,220 movements were documented within Zimbabwe, with interviews conducted on 1,102 migrants, comprising 52% females and 48% males, at 22 Flow Monitoring Points (FMPs). Notably, 89% of those surveyed identified as Zimbabwean nationals, while 6% were Zambian nationals. Among the Zambian respondents, 61% indicated they traveled to Zimbabwe for commercial activities, primarily selling clothes. The reporting period witnessed a significant surge in movements, with a 67% increase compared to November, largely attributed to the festive season.
Within the movements recorded, inflows constituted 74%, and outflows comprised 26%. The districts of Beitbridge, Harare, and Chiredzi ranked as the foremost sending areas, accounting for 62%, 14%, and 6% respectively. In contrast, Harare, Bulawayo, and Beitbridge were the primary receiving districts, representing 31%, 24%, and 12%. Matabeleland South demonstrated the highest outflow rate at 65%, while Harare had the most substantial inflow at 32%. Migrants primarily from Matabeleland South directed their travel towards Limpopo (62%), Eastern Cape (18%), and Gauteng (17%) in South Africa. For those arriving in Harare, 58% originated from Gauteng, and 11% from Lusaka in Zambia.
The South Africa-Zimbabwe corridor dominated the movement statistics, recording 46,204 movements, while the Zambia-Zimbabwe corridor followed with 3,016 movements. Notably, movements through the South Africa-Zimbabwe corridor were chiefly characterized by short-term movements at 54%, alongside long-term economic movements at 15%. Similarly, the Zambia-Zimbabwe corridor exhibited 59% short-term movements and 25% long-term economic movements. The Zimbabwe Department of Immigration Control reported a total of 322,931 entries and 185,814 exits through the Beitbridge border, alongside 19,886 entries and 4,254 exits at the Chirundu border post.
The December 2024 Flow Monitoring Report illustrates significant movement patterns in Zimbabwe, chiefly influenced by the festive season. A majority of migrants were Zimbabwean nationals, with South Africa serving as a prominent destination. The data reveals key insights into migration corridors, types of movements, and regional inflows and outflows that distress the economic activities of the involved nations.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
