Interview with Ms Diana Cartier, Chief of Mission, IOM Zimbabwe
Migration is often discussed in abstract terms, yet in Zimbabwe it is a lived reality that touches households, communities and the national economy. In this conversation with The Diplomat Couch, Ms Diana Cartier, Chief of Mission for the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Zimbabwe, reflects on current migration trends, their development impact and how migration governance can unlock opportunity rather than deepen vulnerability.
Migration is frequently framed as a crisis, yet it is also a long-standing global phenomenon. How would you describe Zimbabwe’s current migration landscape and its significance for development?
Thank you very much, and thank you for the opportunity to speak with you. When we talk about migration in Zimbabwe, it is important to start by recognising that migration is global and historical. It has always existed, and Zimbabwe is certainly not an exception.
Based on 2024 figures, Zimbabwe hosts approximately 430,000 migrants, which represents about 2.6 per cent of the population. These migrants largely come from neighbouring countries such as Malawi, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia. At the same time, there are between one and three million Zimbabweans living outside the country, primarily within the region in South Africa and Botswana, but also further afield in the United Kingdom, Australia and many other parts of the world.
We must also consider internal migration. There is significant movement within Zimbabwe, from rural to urban areas and vice versa, often driven by economic opportunity, environmental pressures or disasters. When you look at migration in its entirety, it is a vast and complex space that intersects directly with development.
You highlight both international and internal mobility. What benefits does migration bring to Zimbabwe, and where do pressures begin to emerge?
Migration’s impact is twofold. On the positive side, one of the clearest contributions is remittances. In 2023, Zimbabwe received approximately US$1.8 billion in formal remittances, representing about nine to ten per cent of GDP. In 2024, this figure rose to US$2.2 billion. These inflows exceed foreign direct investment in some years and play a critical role in household welfare, education and health.
Beyond remittances, Zimbabweans in the diaspora act as cultural ambassadors. They acquire skills, build networks and often reinvest back home through businesses, training initiatives and family support. Migration can therefore be a driver of economic resilience and innovation.
However, challenges do exist. Brain drain remains a concern, particularly when skilled professionals leave in search of opportunities elsewhere. Internal migration can also strain services in urban centres or receiving communities. The key point, though, is that migration itself is neither good nor bad. It simply exists. The challenge is how to manage it in a way that maximises benefits while mitigating risks.
When migration is poorly managed, vulnerability increases. What are the most pressing challenges migrants and refugees face in Zimbabwe today?
One of the most significant challenges is access to documentation. Migrants who cannot move through regular and safe channels are often forced into informal or exploitative work and are excluded from essential services, even though they contribute economically to the communities where they live.
Irregular migration routes expose people to serious risks, including exploitation, abuse and trafficking. Globally, we see this pattern repeatedly. Migrants may end up taking journeys they never intended simply because legal pathways are limited. This is particularly concerning given that virtually every country in the world requires labour migrants.
In Zimbabwe, we also see challenges around reintegration. Many Zimbabweans return home after years abroad, sometimes following deportation or unsuccessful job searches. They come back with skills, experience and ideas, but reintegrating into communities can be difficult. Communities may already be under pressure, and returnees must navigate changed social and economic realities. Building social cohesion is therefore essential.
Addressing these issues clearly requires strong policy frameworks. How does IOM work with the Government of Zimbabwe to strengthen migration governance?
IOM works across the full spectrum of migration, always placing the migrant at the centre. In Zimbabwe, we have been present since 1985 and work very closely with government institutions.
Zimbabwe is a champion country of the Global Compact for Migration, which has been endorsed by 164 countries worldwide. This reflects a strong commitment to ensuring that migrants are protected, supported and recognised as contributors to society.
We have supported the Government of Zimbabwe in developing key policies, including the National Migration Policy, the Labour Migration Policy and an emerging Diaspora Policy. We are also supporting the development of a National Migration Data Strategy, which is crucial because evidence-based policy is foundational to effective migration governance.
Policy must translate into action on the ground. What does IOM’s work look like in practical terms for migrants and communities?
Beyond policy support, IOM implements a wide range of programmes at national and community levels. A notable example is the establishment of Migrant Resource Centres in Harare and Bulawayo, launched in 2024. These centres provide information and services to both Zimbabweans and migrants in the country and are hosted in partnership with government.
We also work with the private sector on ethical recruitment, developing modules that help companies prevent exploitation in their value chains. In addition, we provide pre-departure and pre-cultural orientation, such as for Zimbabwean teachers relocating to Rwanda, to ensure they are prepared for life and work in their destination countries.
At community level, we support reintegration through livelihood assistance, skills training and community adaptation planning. This helps both returnees and host communities adjust and thrive together.
Zimbabwe has recently taken on a visible regional role in migration governance. What did hosting the Migration Dialogue for Southern Africa signal?
Zimbabwe’s hosting of the Migration Dialogue for Southern Africa was a strong signal of leadership and commitment. The Dialogue brought together SADC member states at both technical and ministerial levels to address shared migration challenges.
Discussions focused on migration and climate change, data and evidence, labour migration and the facilitation of movement, including protection for children on the move. The outcomes reinforced the importance of regional cooperation, as migration does not stop at national borders. For Zimbabwe, hosting the Dialogue positioned the country as an active contributor to shaping regional solutions.
Migration also intersects with humanitarian needs. How does IOM respond to migrants in situations of vulnerability or crisis?
Humanitarian assistance is central to IOM’s mandate. Globally, our top priority is saving lives and protecting people on the move, and this is equally true in Zimbabwe.
We support vulnerable returnees who may have experienced trauma by referring them to health services and providing psychosocial support, particularly at border points. IOM also has a mandate to provide shelter and non-food items during emergencies and disasters, working closely with government and partners.
Coordination is critical. We collaborate with the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, the Ministry of Home Affairs, civil protection structures and local authorities to ensure that assistance is delivered effectively and in line with government priorities.
You have emphasised collaboration throughout. How do partnerships strengthen migration interventions?
No single actor can address migration challenges alone. Partnerships are therefore fundamental to our work. IOM engages with government, civil society, trade unions, academia, faith-based organisations and the private sector.
At community level, local organisations bring invaluable knowledge of needs and context. Academia supports research and evidence generation, ensuring that programmes are grounded in data. The private sector plays a critical role in job creation, ethical recruitment and innovation. These partnerships ensure that our interventions are responsive, efficient and sustainable.
Despite these efforts, challenges remain. What constraints does IOM face in delivering its mandate?
Like many organisations, we face funding constraints. The scale of needs often exceeds available resources, requiring difficult prioritisation. Access can also be a challenge, particularly in remote areas or following disasters, where infrastructure limitations affect response time.
Migration flows themselves are complex. A single migrant may be simultaneously affected by economic pressures, climate change and protection risks. This complexity demands flexible and integrated responses. Stigma and discrimination also persist, underscoring the need for continued dialogue and awareness-raising.
Migration is increasingly recognised as integral to sustainable development. How does IOM’s work align with the 2030 Agenda?
IOM has demonstrated globally that the Sustainable Development Goals cannot be achieved without addressing migration. While migrants make up about three per cent of the global population, they contribute roughly nine per cent of global GDP.
In Zimbabwe, remittances alone illustrate migration’s development impact. Our programmes align closely with SDG 8 on decent work, SDG 10 on reducing inequalities, particularly target 10.7 on safe and orderly migration, SDG 13 on climate action and SDG 17 on partnerships and data-driven policy. Migration is not peripheral to development, it is central to it.
Where does the private sector fit into this broader migration and development equation?
The private sector is absolutely essential. Businesses create jobs, provide training and drive innovation. In Zimbabwe, private companies have demonstrated leadership, including during crises such as Cyclone Idai.
There is also scope for greater engagement in mentoring returnees, supporting skills development and using data, such as remittance trends, to inform investment. IOM works with partners like the African Leadership Academy and the African Development Bank to strengthen diaspora engagement and youth innovation. Responsible private sector engagement can significantly enhance safe and orderly migration.
Finally, having worked across regions and returned to Zimbabwe, how has your professional journey shaped your perspective?
I have worked with IOM for almost 20 years and in the migration and development field for over 25 years. I began my IOM career in Zimbabwe in 2005 and returned more than a decade later, bringing experiences from headquarters, Costa Rica, Sudan, Norway and multiple emergency contexts, including Chad.
Returning to Zimbabwe has reinforced my belief that migration, when well managed, can be a powerful force for development. Zimbabwe has the policy momentum, regional leadership and human capital to harness migration’s potential. Our role at IOM is to support that journey, working alongside government, communities and partners to ensure that migration works for everyone.
