Harare – “IOM will continue to support the Government on migration management in Zimbabwe and reaffirms its commitment to strengthen operational capacities of the National Migration Coordination Directorate,” said Mr. Mario Lito Malanca, IOM Zimbabwe Chief of Mission in his remarks at the quarterly Inter-Ministerial Committee Meeting on Migration (IMCM) held at the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage on 2 August 2019.

IOM through the Promoting Migration Governance in Zimbabwe (PMGZ) project contributes to the strengthening of migration governance in Zimbabwe.  The project supported the IMCM to hold its quarterly coordination meeting, which provide an opportunity for various Government stakeholders to deliberate and provide updates on matters related to migration management in Zimbabwe.

“This meeting will go a long way in assisting us as Government and cooperating partners to review the progress attained to date on migration management. We are also able to address the various migration challenges in a coherent and coordinated manner,” noted Mr. Matshiya, the Chairperson of IMCM and Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage.

Among various updates that were made by key Government Ministries present, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage reported on progress made by the Government on the development of the Zimbabwe Migration Policy. Mr. Matongo, the Director of Policy Planning and Research in the Ministry highlighted that the draft policy was validated by the Government and key stakeholders. “We are now looking at regional and international documents such as Migration Dialogue for Southern Africa (MIDSA) and Global Compact on Migration Reports to finalise the policy before it can be presented to Cabinet by the Minister for consideration.”

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Zimbabwe Republic Police under the auspices of the Prosecution Pillar of the Anti-Trafficking Ministerial Committee (ATMIC) reported on progress in combating trafficking in the country. The CID reported that four Trafficking in Persons (TiP) cases are currently under investigation while ten are pending trial.

Mr. Matshiya acknowledged IOM support, “I am encouraged by Government commitment to migration management and take this opportunity to express my gratitude to IOM for supporting and strengthening migration related institutions in the country.”

During the same meeting, IOM handed over furniture to the National Migration Coordination Directorate of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage to further strengthen its operational capacity.

The Government of Zimbabwe migration initiatives are being supported by IOM Development Fund and the Promoting Migration Governance in Zimbabwe project under the 11th European Development Fund.

For more information please contact Varaidzo Mudombi at IOM Zimbabwe telephone +263242704285 email: vmudombi@iom.int