By Felix Katyetye
The Department of Immigration office in Lusaka has executed a series of operations in an effort to uphold immigration laws and maintain security resulting in the removal and apprehension of 83 illegal immigrates.
In a statement obtained by Solwezi Today, Immigration Department Public Relations officer Namati Nshinka said among the deported 62 were Ethiopians who were serving sentences for various immigration violations while 21 others were from various other ountries.
Nshinka said the initiative is aimed at alleviating congestion in Correctional Facilities and enforce immigration regulations.
He said in a proactive move to cleanse Lusaka City of suspected illegal immigrants, the Lusaka Regional Immigration Office apprehended 15 individuals who included 13 Burundians, one Tanzanian, and two individuals claiming Zambian nationality. These suspects are currently detained at Kamulanga Police Station pending prosecution.
“The Department secured the conviction of a 35-year-old Congolese national, Kwizera Ivette, for residing outside a refugee settlement without authorization. Ivette, a refugee from Mayukwayukwa Refugee Settlement, failed to comply with the terms of her gate pass, leading to her conviction and a fine of K10,000 or five months imprisonment. This conviction marked one of the 18 secured by the Department during the stated period,”. Mr. Nshinka said.
He said the Department’s relentless efforts also resulted in the apprehension of an additional 62 individuals across the country for various immigration offenses.
While commending the support of other security agencies and the public, the Department cautioned against aiding, abetting, or harboring illegal immigrants, emphasizing the legal repercussions under the Immigration and Deportation Act No.18 of 2010.
Mr. Nshinka adds that the recent operations underscored the government’s commitment to safeguarding national borders and maintaining immigration integrity.
