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A contribution for the understanding of the legislation on repatriation on Southern Africa
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6. The main achievements of the Sub-Committees
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After they had been established, these committees undertook a number of initiatives and activities including meetings and bilateral and multilateral consultations. However, the fact that these are not decision making organs lead to issues having to wait longer before decisions can be taken. Often the agreed course of action is not followed by the parties involved. Below the activities and initiatives undertaken by these organs are described:
6.1 Sub-Committee on Migration and Labor between Mozambique and South Africa
This forum ha already held a number of meetings. Among the issues discussed is the co-ordination of modalities and mechanisms for repatriation, the notification procedures to the Mozambican consulates, complaints against the police and migration officials during the repatriation process, legalisation of Mozambican workers and means for social reintegration of those repatriated.
The understanding on the co-ordination of modalities and mechanisms of repatriation and procedures for the notification of Mozambican consulates is aimed at addressing a number of irregularities in the process of repatriation. In the last few years the Mozambican territory has been used as a corridor for entry into the hinterland, specially South Africa. When they are rounded up these aliens are taken to be Mozambicans and are then shipped to this country. This means that Mozambique is flooded with citizens which are not her own citizens which become a source of instability of different description.
In the light of these understanding the South African authorities should notify the Mozambican consulates so that these can take part in the process of checking up whether those illegal migrants are Mozambicans or not. Another issue that is raises is to do with the possessions of these migrants. It has been agreed that they should be allowed some time to collect their belongings. Nevertheless there are voices that question the wisdom of that as they argue that those goods should be forfeit as they were acquired under illegal circumstances.
6.2 Sub-Committee on Defense, Security and Migration between the Kingdom of Swaziland and the Republic of Mozambique
Among the main aspects dealt with in this organ is tolerance, notification of the High Commission of the country concerned three days before the repatriation starts so that the reception of the citizens of that country can be organised.
The question of belongings has also been object of discussion as was the case between Mozambique and South Africa. Indeed, it was agreed that time should be given to the migrants to collect their belongings.
6.3 Sub-Committee on Migration, Security and Labor between Mozambique and Zimbabwe
The Sub-Committee discussed, among others, the question of the involvement of the High Commission of the country concerned in the repatriation. The issue of the possession of the repatriated citizens was also discussed. In relation to the former, it was agreed that the Governments concerned should work together and that the Government expected to receive its repatriated citizens should be given five days notice before the process started.
On the issue of possessions it was agreed that the migrants to be repatriated should be given the opportunity to collect their possessions including withdrawing cash from the banks.
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