Zimbabwe @ 40: migration and economic development in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Zimbabwe has a long history of migration which can be traced back to the 1980s. In the past two decades the country has lost a significant number of skilled and semi-skilled workers who migrated to countries such as United Kingdom (UK), United States of America (USA), Canada, Australia, South Africa (SA) and Botswana in search of greener pastures. Moreover, Zimbabwe has also seen an upsurge in irregular migration and mixed migration flows. The massive exodus in the 2000s was prompted by, for instance, a deteriorating economy, political turmoil and starvation. Nevertheless, continue to support their immediate and extended family members back home and they continue to contribute to economic growth and development through return of skills, remittances, investment project and co-development projects, etc. Highly qualified professionals such as teachers, engineers, nurses and doctors are an important source of investment capital and trade for Zimbabwe. However, the diaspora community is concerned about the poor access to investment and trade related information. Legal frameworks such the National Labour Migration Policy were formulated to make it easier for less skilled people to seek work abroad and offer them social protection, while at the same time strengthening mechanisms for harnessing remittances for economic development. Indeed, generally, migration is being recognised as a major human development issue which, depending on local contextual factors and how the migration process is managed, can either contribute towards or hinder socio-economic development in Zimbabwe.