Explanatory note

This Order makes provision in the law of the United Kingdom consequent upon Zimbabwe becoming independent and a member of the Commonwealth. It has effect (Article 1(2)) from Independence Day, the 18th April 1980.

Article 2 of the Order adds Zimbabwe to the list of those Commonwealth countries having a separate citizenship with the consequence that persons who are citizens of Zimbabwe also have the status of British Subjects or Commonwealth Citizens. Articles 3 and 4 repeal temporary provisions of the Zimbabwe Act 1979 which were made on the basis that Zimbabwe was not a member of the Commonwealth.

Article 5 continues the applicability of the Colonial Stocks Acts to stock issued by the Southern Rhodesian Government or for which that Government assumed responsibility (and which, in turn, become the responsibility of the Government of Zimbabwe).

Article 6 modifies the Southern Rhodesia (Legal Proceedings and Public Liabilities) Order 1979 so that, inter alia, references to the Crown in right of Southern Rhodesia may be read as including references to the Government of Zimbabwe.

Article 7 and the Schedule modify a number of other enactments and instruments to provide for their application in relation to Zimbabwe after independence. Certain provisions relating to diplomatic immunity, evidence, judgments, facilities for certain marriages, the prevention of fraud, solicitors and double taxation relief will continue to apply in relation to Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe is accorded the status of a Commonwealth country in relation to the Commonwealth Institute, and to service and visiting forces law.