Zimbabwe Diaspora Tax a wrong idea and misdirected effort

The recent discussion paper from some Zimbabwean Academics based in the UK makes sad reading especially when they propose a Non Resident Tax aimed specifically at expatriate Zimbabweans based across the world. The idea must be totally rejected and exposed as another scheme to over burden an already over-stretched section of Zimbabwean population. The Diaspora is already facing multiple taxation; this must not be worsened by the ill advised idea of an additional Diaspora tax.

The Zimbabwean Diaspora population has already played a critical role in keeping Zimbabwe from total collapse. During the peak of the Economic meltdown induced by poor policies and bad Governance Zimbabwe was kept afloat by remittances from the Diaspora. Minister Biti recently confirmed that the Diaspora had remitted more than US$ 160 million this year.

This amount is a material amount which has assisted to maintain Zimbabwe from collapsing into a failed state .It is unfortunate that instead of showing some gratitude to the Diaspora Community certain sections remain determined to keep squeezing the Diaspora. It would be good for a change for the Diaspora to start receiving some thanks, concessions and appreciation.

During Prime Minister Tsvangirai’s world tour in June 2009 as some will recall he was booed by the Zimbabwean Community when he proposed they return home. After that debacle I wrote to the Prime Minister Link http://muponda.blogspot.com/2009/06/june-2009-letter-to-prime-minister.html . Diaspora Zimbabweans are mostly committed to their country but it appears this has been a one Way Street as those in Zimbabwe have not been willing to readily acknowledge the critical role being played by the Diaspora.

There are important issues that remain out standing which must be addressed before the Diaspora is forced to finance what is other wise a “forced” Government of National Unity (GNU). Firstly Zimbabweans in Diaspora must be allowed the following;

(1) Dual Citizenship
(2) Right to Vote
(3) Diaspora based Members of Parliament and Senators
(4) Tax Credits for any investment made in Zimbabwe
(5) Import Duty Waiver status

These are minimal conditions which must be afforded the Diaspora without any link to paying the new proposed tax. These are rights which the Diaspora Zimbabweans have already earned and should be granted before a new tax is proposed.

The attempt to link the new tax to Citizenship is both illegal and mischievous. The Diaspora Community has been taken for granted for too long which has led to this misdirected effort that Diaspora needs to pay additional tax to maintain Citizenship or to be allowed to vote. This is illogical as it suggests someone should buy what already is a birth right. This type of thinking is not progressive and will only lead to resentment by the Diaspora Community .And those in the Diaspora need to be more proactive and be more organized otherwise your hard earned money will be spent and budgeted for you by some politician in Harare.

This article appears as courtesy of GMRI Capital ( www.gmricapital.com) prepared for 3MG MEDIA

Gilbert Muponda is a Co-Founder of 3MG Media . He can be reached at;

Email: gilbert@3mgmedia.ca . Skype ID: gilbert.Muponda

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