Treasury Extends Duty Rebates to Returning Zimbabweans from South Africa By ZimFocus Sam Mupedziswa Reporter HARARE – The Government has extended duty rebate concessions for Zimbabweans returning home from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks and growing concerns over the welfare of affected migrants. In a communication from the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Prof. Hon. Mthuli Ncube, Treasury confirmed that returning residents from South Africa will be allowed to clear their personal and household effects under the Immigrants’ Rebate facility, using the same flexible arrangements that were previously granted to holders of the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP). The measures include duty concessions on personal and household property, as well as commercial equipment used in businesses. In addition, one motor vehicle per qualifying returning resident may be imported under suspension of customs duty, with Value Added Tax (VAT) remaining payable. The facility is intended to assist Zimbabweans who are being repatriated or voluntarily returning home due to insecurity and xenophobic violence in South Africa. Speaking to ZimFocus, Minister of Industry and Commerce, Hon. Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndhlovu, welcomed the intervention by the Minister of Finance, Prof. Mthuli Ncube, and clarified that the concession is extended to all Zimbabweans returning from South Africa, subject to satisfying ZIMRA that they are bona fide returning residents. Hon. Ndhlovu said Finance Minister Prof. Mthuli Ncube had assured him that the facility would not be limited to former ZEP holders, but would also apply to other qualifying Zimbabweans returning home from South Africa. Treasury indicated that the arrangement is subject to proper evaluation procedures to prevent abuse by non-qualifying individuals and clarified that the concession will not apply to new goods. For motor vehicles, applicants will still be required to meet the standard conditions applicable for returning residents, including proof of prior ownership before returning to Zimbabwe. Returning residents will not be required to apply for a permit to import vehicles older than 10 years. The latest intervention is expected to ease the burden on hundreds of Zimbabweans returning from South Africa, many of whom face significant challenges in transporting their personal belongings and assets accumulated during their years of residence abroad. Hon. Ndhlovu also expressed gratitude to His Excellency President Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa for his administration’s continued commitment to protecting the welfare of Zimbabweans abroad and facilitating measures that support their smooth return and reintegration into the country. The Government’s move has been widely welcomed as a practical measure aimed at supporting the reintegration of returning citizens while safeguarding their livelihoods and investments. Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndhlovu Raj Modi, Deputy Minister of Industry Tadeous T Chifamba Min Industry & Commerce ZIM Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Zimbabwe Mthuli Ncube Foundation ZANU PF Party Dereck Goto Gody Nkatha Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Emgrafx Hope Sendamai Honourable Guccie - @enie851