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Ninety day visas waiver for Zimbabwean into South Africa
Zimbabwe Exiles Forum (ZEF)
May 04, 2009

The Zimbabwe Exiles' Forum (ZEF) applauds the South African Government's for scraping visa requirements as announced by the Minister of Home Affairs during the weekend. This move is especially welcome as it comes just after the announcement of the special permit that gives Zimbabweans the right to stay, study and work in South Africa for a six month period. ZEF in particular feels vindicated that the move is a tacit acknowledgement of the dire straits encountered by Zimbabweans not only in their own country, but also in SA. The organisation has been campaigning for similar moves by the South African government since 2003.

The above notwithstanding, ZEF urges the South African Government to ensure that these developments are communicated to all spheres of government, especially the South African Police Service that continues to subject Zimbabweans to all forms of harassment. ZEF has continued to receive reports of Zimbabweans being arrested and detained, despite having proved their nationality.

Lastly, ZEF urges the Department of Home Affairs to continue availing the asylum seeking process to Zimbabweans as the organisation continues to receive reports of Zimbabweans being persecuted by their Government. These persecutions include cases of abductions, unlawful imprisonment, torture, and other human rights abuses. Only today, ZEF received with shock the re-arrest of 18 MDC activists, including human rights defender Jestina Mukoko in blatant violation of the rule of law and the spirit of unity agreement in Zimbabwe.

ZEF is a non-profit organization based in Pretoria whose mandate is centered on the promotion and protection of human rights of Zimbabwean exiles as well as the documentation and use of advocacy and litigation around crimes against humanity committed in Zimbabwe.

Visit the ZEF fact sheet

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