Zambian Immigration Apprehends 116, Secures 102 Convictions, and Removes 90 Illegal Immigrants
In a recent crackdown on illegal immigration, the Department of Immigration in Chipata has apprehended 12 Ethiopian nationals for failing to comply with immigration procedures and unlawfully staying in the country.
The group was arrested in Chiwoko along the Great East Road after officers from the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) spotted them in a Silver Toyota Vox and gave chase. Despite attempts to evade capture, immigration officers managed to apprehend nine of the Ethiopians between 01:00 and 04:30 hours.
Subsequently, three additional Ethiopians were nabbed later in the morning, bringing the total to 12. The individuals are currently detained at Namuseche Correctional Facility pending prosecution.
This operation in Chipata contributed to a nationwide effort that saw the apprehension of 116 individuals between March 13th and 20th, 2024. Furthermore, the Luanshya Immigration Office secured the conviction of a 33-year-old Congolese national, Kumwimba Wa Ngoy, for unlawful stay.
Mr. Ngoy, who entered Zambia as a visitor in December 2023 but overstayed his visa, was sentenced to either pay a fine of K 9,500 or serve nine months in simple imprisonment.
In another development, the Lusaka Regional Immigration Office secured convictions for two Burundians, Iradukunda Yvans and Delive Niyokwezerwa, both found guilty of unlawful stay.
Yvans and Niyokwezerwa were sentenced to pay fines of K 10,000 each or face imprisonment for six and nine months, respectively. These convictions brought the total number of convictions secured by the Immigration Department during the specified period to 102.
Additionally, the department also took measures to remove 90 illegal immigrants from the country and refused entry to 14 foreign nationals who failed to meet entry requirements. These actions are part of ongoing efforts by Zambian immigration authorities to maintain border security and enforce immigration laws.
Namati H. Nshinka, Public Relations Officer for the Department of Immigration, reiterated the department’s commitment to ensuring compliance with immigration regulations and safeguarding the integrity of Zambia’s borders. The recent operations underscore the government’s determination to address illegal immigration and uphold national security.
