Zambia Immigration Cracks Down on Illegal Entries
The Department of Immigration has apprehended a total of 130 individuals during a two-day clean-up operation in various parts of Lusaka.
The operation, conducted on the 10th and 11th of November 2023, aimed at checking compliance and identifying individuals in conflict with the Immigration and Deportation Act No. 18 of 2010.
Namati H. Nshinka, the Public Relations Officer of the Department of Immigration, issued an official statement noting that of the 130 individuals arrested, 39, including both Zambians and refugees, were released unconditionally upon providing proof of legal immigration status following a thorough screening process.
However, he stated that 91 suspects are currently detained pending further screening and possible prosecution.
The detained individuals represent a diverse range of nationalities, including Burundians, Congolese, Tanzanians, Zimbabweans, Rwandese, Somalis, Chinese, Malawian, Mozambican, and one individual whose nationality is yet to be established.
Simultaneously, the Kasumbalesa Immigration Office, on 10th November 2023, apprehended 23 Congolese for illegal entry during a routine operation around the Kasumbalesa Market Area and areas along the borderline.
These individuals are currently awaiting prosecution at Chililabombwe Police Station.
The Isoka Immigration Office achieved a significant conviction on 10th November 2023, where a 58-year-old Tanzanian driver, Shabani Ally Uzigo, was found guilty of aiding four Somali illegal immigrants.
The Isoka Magistrate Court sentenced him to pay a fine of K 60,000 or face 24 months of simple imprisonment in default.
This conviction adds to the 21 secured by the Department of Immigration between 10th and 12th November 2023.
In a separate development on 11th November 2023, the Department of Immigration removed 30 Ethiopian nationals from the country through Kenneth Kaunda International Airport.
This action followed their payment of court fines in Muchinga for the offense of illegal entry into Zambia, bringing the total number of illegal immigrants removed between 10th and 12th November 2023 to 71.
Mr. Nshinka has warned foreign nationals intending to visit Zambia, urging them to comply with the provisions of the Immigration and Deportation Act.
He also emphasized the importance for those already in the country to ensure strict adherence to the terms and conditions of their permission to stay.
