Zambia’s Immigration Scores Victories
Zambia’s immigration offices have demonstrated their commitment to upholding immigration laws, resulting in 34 convictions, the apprehension of 25 individuals, and the removal of 12 illegal immigrants.
On January 12th, 2024, the Mpika Immigration Office secured the conviction of two Pakistani nationals, Muhammad Saleem (49) and Haroon (20), for failing to comply with immigration regulations.
The duo was arrested during a routine immigration status verification exercise at Mpika Checkpoint aboard a Lusaka-bound Juldan Public Service Bus on January 3rd, 2024.
The Mpika Magistrate Court convicted and fined each of them K 20,000 or sentenced them to nine months of simple imprisonment for not appearing before the nearest immigration officer upon entry into Zambia.
Similarly, the Kapiri Mposhi Immigration Office achieved the conviction of three Congolese nationals, Mechack Banza (25), Oscar Kailu (32), and Amani Musolo (24), for unlawful stay. The trio was nabbed on January 9th, 2024, at Lwanshimba Checkpoint aboard a Lusaka-bound Public Service Bus during a routine immigration status verification exercise.
Banza and Kailu were each sentenced to pay a fine of K 10,100 or face nine months of simple imprisonment, while Musolo received a fine of K 10,000 or nine months of simple imprisonment.
The Livingstone Regional Immigration Office added to the successes by securing the conviction of a 36-year-old Congolese, Ndjate Osango, for knowingly using and having a refugee movement pass against immigration laws.
Osango, arrested on December 20, 2023, in Livingstone’s Dambwa Site and Service, was sentenced to pay a fine of K15,000 or nine months of simple imprisonment.
In a parallel situation, the Kabwe Regional Immigration Office achieved convictions for 17 individuals of different nationalities for various immigration offenses. These included charges such as being outside a refugee settlement without authority, engaging in business without permits, and unlawful stay.
Fines ranging from K 300 to K 5,000 or sentences of four to nine months of simple imprisonment were imposed on the convicted individuals.
Meanwhile, between January 12 and 14, 2024, the Department of Immigration apprehended 25 persons of different nationalities for various immigration offenses across the country.
Additionally, 12 illegal immigrants were successfully removed from Zambia, and entry was denied to three foreign nationals for failing to meet entry requirements.
Namati H. Nshinka, the Public Relations Officer, highlighted the department’s dedication to maintaining the integrity of immigration laws and ensuring the security of the nation.
