In the first place, why would one commit crime and fraudulent activities on foreign soil especially when you have nowhere to escape to? Secondly, the assertion that "all the Zimbabweans who fled to the UK opposed the government" is false. Very few Zimbos were prominent political activists during that time.
Zimbos who fled to the UK during the Land Reform era referred to the atrocities and political unrest in Zimbabwe during that period as a substantial reason to earn an asylum or refugee status. Some were not necessarily human rights activists or anti-Mugabe but maybe many of them were victims of what was going on at that time.
Now that the dark days are over, Mugabe is gone, Zimbabwe is a new home altogether with the new dispensation - it's time to go back. The assumption that the UK government does not care is far fetched. This is the very same government that has been taking care of foreigners and their welfare since they arrived in London. In returning the good gesture, foreign nationals abuse British hospitality, compromise their laws and democracy.
The action taken by the Home Office can hardly be justified enough. Botswana authorities recently deported 500 Zimbos as part of their Covid-19 restriction measures. Since 2008, the so-called xenophobic attacks directed towards non-South African blacks have erupted sporadically in what has become to be known as Afrophobia. Sometime in 2011, Zimbabweans wanted the Chinese nationals to be deported.
Deported individuals often find it challenging to support their families and coupled with the trauma and stigma of the deportation, many find it difficult to maintain contact with family members. Many of those deported are forced to return to dangerous and turbulent environments. Deportations have resulted in kidnapping, torture, rape and murder.
Separation of a child from a parent due to deportation is associated with economic hardship, housing inequality, food insecurity and psychosocial consequences that negatively impact academic performance. Immigration policies have moved away from family reunification.
Going into the future, national governments should assuage the myriad devastating consequences of deportation on individuals. Comprehensive immigration policy reforms should end the threat of deportation and keep families together. The local leaders should develop programs to foster support networks, sense of belonging, mental health and collective political action.
Nonetheless, deportation is part of every country's immigration policy framework. The next time you think of migrating to a foreign country, take some time to research about the laws and governance culture of that jurisdiction. Find out more from your travel agent. The traditional adage goes; "When in Rome, do as the Romans do" lest you will find your way back to your village.
@stajicesimmz