1m people cross Beitbridge Border between Jan – July 2022

ELLEN MLAMBO

TWO NATIONS REPORTER

BEITBRIDGE – The number of people who entered or left Zimbabwe through Beitbridge Border Post in July 2022 compared to February the same year has jumped by a steep 609,2%, according to Assistant Regional Immigration Officer (ARIO) in Charge of Beitbridge, Trustworth Manatsire.

Some 38 401 people crossed SADC’s busiest border either into or out of Zimbabwe in February this year while a total of 272 365 did the same in July.

He said that the increase in movement at Beitbridge started in January but there was a big leap in July when South Africa lifted all Covid19 restrictions including Covid vaccinations and PCR tests. Zimbabwe however still requires a vaccination card or PCR to those entering the country.

“We are noticing a lot of people using e-passports, this is also significantly contributing to the increase in movement of people,” added Manatsire.    

The figures indicate that nearly 1 million people or specifically 966 686 crossed Beitbridge Border Post in the first seven months of the year. Some 334 680 crossed the border in the same period in 2021.

The statistics show that 136 581 people entered Zimbabwe while 135 784 exited in July.

In June 2022, 188 691 crossed the border with 102 662 coming in 86 029 leaving. 

May had 164 722 moving across the border entering Zimbabwe with 76 595 leaving while 88 127 entered.

In April 142 955 people crossed the border with 80 300 entering and 62 655 leaving. 

March had 97 251 people going across the border with 57 662 people entering and 39 589 exiting. 

February had 38 401 moving across the border; 22 919 in and 15 482 out. 

Total movements in January were 62 301; 26 827 in and 35 474 out.