Zimbabwe sees surge in Chinese nationals, 25 000 already in the country

HARARE – Zimbabwe is experiencing a surge in Chinese investment and immigration, with thousands of nationals flocking to the country for business opportunities, according to Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Kazembe Kazembe.

Kazembe addressed Parliament on the recent influx of Chinese investors and nationals in Zimbabwe.

According to the Minister, the Department of Immigration receives approximately 50 investor permit applications and 445 temporary employment permit applications from Chinese nationals monthly.

These applications are processed based on authentic travel and identity documents, with any discrepancies verified through respective Embassies.

The Minister expressed satisfaction with the cooperation received from the Chinese Embassy in verifying documents. Those found ineligible to stay in Zimbabwe are required to leave the country, as with all foreign nationals.

Pre-COVID, there was a notable surge in Sino-African migration, with an estimated 25,000 Chinese nationals currently residing in Zimbabwe. This influx is largely attributed to the country’s vast mining opportunities.

To enhance border management, the immigration department is implementing an online border management system (OBMS). This system will enable the department to account for all foreign nationals residing in the country.

The Minister urged anyone aware of foreign nationals without genuine documents to come forward and inform the authorities, ensuring appropriate action is taken.

“Post COVID, we now have an estimated 25 000 Chinese nationals in Zimbabwe. This is in response to the vast mining opportunities that Zimbabwe is presenting to the world.

“The immigration department is also implementing a new and improved online border management system, the OBMS, which will enable the department to account for all foreign nationals residing in the country.

“However, if there are any foreign nationals who are in the country without genuine documents, members are free to come forward and inform us and appropriate action will be taken,” the Minister noted.

After removing late former President Robert Mugabe from power through a military coup in November 2017, President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government quickly adopted the “Look East” policy as a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening Zimbabwe’s economic and political ties with Asian countries, particularly China.

The policy seeks to diversify Zimbabwe’s economic partnerships, reduce dependence on Western nations, and attract foreign investment from the East.

Through this policy, Zimbabwe aims to leverage Asia’s growing economic influence, access new markets, and secure funding for infrastructure development, agriculture, and mining projects.

As a result of this policy, Chinese nationals have been flocking to Zimbabwe to benefit from the vast mineral resources that the country has.

Last week, two Chinese nationals were deported from Zimbabwe after being involved in the abuse of a mine worker at Makanga Mine in Bindura. The incident came to light after a video circulated showing the worker being tied up and suspended from a loader bucket.

In a post on his Twitter handle, Nick Mangwana, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, confirmed the deportation, stating: ‘The two foreign nationals involved in this abuse, as depicted in a video that went viral, were deported today (Wednesday).’