Mozambique: Border crossings down 80% – authorities

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Mozambique: Border crossings down 80% – authorities

4:09 CAT | 23 Oct 2020

FILE - Ressano Garcia border. [File photo: Miramar]

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused an 80% reduction in the movement of people across Mozambique’s borders, according to the latest data from the National Migration Service (SENAMI) seen on Friday by Lusa.

A total of 20,909 entries and exits were recorded in the week between 10 and 16 October, compared to 102,306 in the same period of 2019.

Despite the scenario, caused by restrictions for the prevention of Covid-19, the relief of some measures is allowing a gradual recovery.

In the same week, the border with South Africa at Ressano Garcia, a little over 100 kilometres from Maputo, led the traffic (as usual) with 5,140 crossings, followed by Zóbué post with Malawi in Tete province (central Maputo hinterland) with 1,724 and Machipanda (border with Zimbabwe) in Manica central province with 1,360.

In the same week of 2019, the most sought-after crossing, Ressano Garcia, recorded 29,800 crossings.

In contrast, the number of deportations to Mozambique increased.

Between 10 and 16 October this year, South Africa deported 234 people to Mozambique for illegal immigration and other offences (including 21 women and four minors), against 91 people in the same week in 2019.

Source: Lusa