By Political Reporter- The Zanu PF government has announced its preparations to receive thousands of Zimbabweans set to be deported from South Africa, as part of a crackdown on undocumented foreign nationals.

South Africa’s new Home Affairs Minister, Leon Schreiber, has deployed officers to conduct door-to-door searches targeting foreign nationals living illegally in the country.

Those found without proper documentation are being arrested, jailed, and subsequently deported to their countries of origin.

So far, hundreds of Zimbabweans have been affected by the operation.

Public Service Deputy Minister Mercy Dinha informed Parliament this week that the government, in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), has laid the groundwork for receiving returning migrants.

“The Government of Zimbabwe, working with the IOM, has put in place mechanisms to handle the return of Zimbabwe Exemption Permit non-holders from South Africa. Inter-ministerial committees have been established and will be activated to manage the anticipated influx,” Dinha said.

She also revealed that the government is finalising renovations at the Beitbridge and Plumtree reception and support centres, which will accommodate returnees before they are reintegrated into their communities.

“Our capacity to manage the return of citizens is proven, as demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic, when we successfully received and reintegrated hundreds of thousands of returning citizens,” Dinha added.