The abrupt termination of the cost-effective, visa-free arrangement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Zimbabwe has introduced substantial financial burdens on cross-border hauliers catering to the lucrative mining sector in Haut Katanga Province. Over the past two weeks, transport operators have been informed that Zimbabwean truck drivers must now apply for work visas to legally operate within the DRC.
This unexpected decision, enacted by the DRC’s Direction Générale de Migration (DGM), took immediate effect, mandating drivers to pay a $50 fee for a 30-day visa. Previously, a bilateral memorandum of understanding (MoU) had exempted Zimbabwean drivers from this visa requirement, making them essential assets for transport companies engaged in the movement of goods to and from the DRC’s rich mining districts.
The abrupt cancellation of the MoU caught industry stakeholders off guard; according to a spokesperson from the regional road freight industry’s Transit Assistance Bureau (Transist), this change was made with no prior consultation or warning. Adding to the frustration, the visa payment must be made in cash with no receipts provided, making it impossible for transport companies to maintain proper financial records. This lack of a paper trail creates complications for compliance with foreign exchange regulations, which is particularly concerning for businesses operating under strict financial scrutiny.
The new visa requirements also exacerbate pre-existing challenges faced by drivers. Due to extensive delays inherent in cross-border travel, including lengthy border checks and an outdated cargo scanner at the Kasumbalesa Border Post, drivers may find themselves at risk of returning to Zimbabwe with expired visas. This situation could result in an additional $50 fee upon exit from Haut Katanga, further inflating operational costs.
Reports from Freight News indicate that Transist has attempted to engage DRC immigration authorities regarding these issues but has so far encountered a brick wall. The scrapping of the MoU has created significant operational hurdles for large transport fleets that depend on the efficient movement of goods to sustain their clients in the Copperbelt region.
“Consider a fleet of 100 trucks, where each driver is suddenly required to pay $50 every time they enter or exit the DRC,” the Transist spokesperson lamented. This additional financial strain comes at a time when transporters are already grappling with persistent congestion and inefficiencies at the Kasumbalesa Border Post. The aging cargo scanner, reminiscent of technology from decades past, not only delays the processing of vehicles but also contributes to widespread frustration among drivers. Reports suggest that verification of cargo images can take up to two days, not due to equipment failure, but rather as a result of administrative inefficiency. Now, on top of all these hurdles, the new visa requirements threaten to further complicate logistics for drivers already racing against stringent transport deadlines.
