Hundreds of British people living in Zimbabwe are being offered the chance to resettle back in the UK.
Hundreds of British people living in Zimbabwe are being offered the chance to resettle back in the UK.
An estimated 750 households are expected to take up the offer of help, which will be given to people aged over 70 with medical or care needs.
An estimated 750 households are expected to take up the offer of help, which will be given to people aged over 70 with medical or care needs.
Zimbabwe has an economy in ruins, 90% unemployment and a cholera epidemic which has killed over 3,000 people.
Zimbabwe has an economy in ruins, 90% unemployment and a cholera epidemic which has killed over 3,000 people.
British ministers believe that as conditions in that country deteriorate, many elderly Britons want to leave.
British ministers believe that as conditions in that country deteriorate, many elderly Britons want to leave.
Local government minister John Healey MP said: "The situation... continues to make it hard to access food and medical care.
Local government minister John Healey MP said: "The situation... continues to make it hard to access food and medical care.
'Collapsed healthcare'
"That's why we are offering help to older and vulnerable British people who are unable to support themselves in Zimbabwe and want to resettle in the UK."
"That's why we are offering help to older and vulnerable British people who are unable to support themselves in Zimbabwe and want to resettle in the UK."
The government is approaching people to gauge their interest in the programme, a spokeswoman for Communities and Local Government told the BBC.
The resettlement scheme includes plans for transportation and accommodation for those eligible.
'Collapsed healthcare'
The Foreign Office website for Zimbabwe said: "We advise against all but essential travel to Harare city centre.
The Foreign Office website for Zimbabwe said: "We advise against all but essential travel to Harare city centre.
"The state healthcare system has collapsed and is often unable to provide basic treatment."
"The state healthcare system has collapsed and is often unable to provide basic treatment."
The World Health Organization is tracking more than 60,000 cases of cholera throughout Zimbabwe.
The World Health Organization is tracking more than 60,000 cases of cholera throughout Zimbabwe.
Dr Christophe Fournier, international council president of Medecins Sans Frontieres, spent four days touring the country.
Dr Christophe Fournier, international council president of Medecins Sans Frontieres, spent four days touring the country.
He said: "You've all heard about the disastrous cholera epidemic".
He said: "You've all heard about the disastrous cholera epidemic".
"However catastrophic this epidemic is, it is only the most visible manifestation of a much broader crisis in the whole country. Actually the whole public health system in Zimbabwe is down, it has collapsed."
"However catastrophic this epidemic is, it is only the most visible manifestation of a much broader crisis in the whole country. Actually the whole public health system in Zimbabwe is down, it has collapsed."
Are you a British citizen living in Zimbabwe? Send us your comments and experiences using the form below.
Are you a British citizen living in Zimbabwe? Send us your comments and experiences using the form below.
