Pretoria, 3 April-(ANA)-Zimbabweans can get permits to stay legally in South Africa for six months, the authorities have announced.
Some three million Zimbabweans are believed to have crossed the border to escape the economic collapse and human rights abuses at home.
The permit gives migrants the right to work and get healthcare and education.
An official said the permits would reduce the numbers claiming political asylum, which means they are not allowed to return home.
"Most Zimbabweans are not asylum-seekers, they are economic migrants. So what they want to do is to come into the country do some work and go back home and take money back," said Home Affairs Director General of Immigration Services Jackie MacKay.
"We also believe this special dispensation will result in foreign currency going into Zimbabwe and assist in building up that country," he said.
The economic situation in Zimbabwe seems to be showing signs of improving, since long-time opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai joined a power-sharing government in February.
Mr Mackay said the situation would be reviewed after six months. (ANA)
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