Zambia immigration detains 53 in Copperbelt operations

He said screening in Kitwe resulted in 10 individuals being detained, 14 being placed on report orders and 53 being released after producing valid documents confirming their lawful status.

“Following screening, ten (10) individuals were detained for suspected immigration offences, including being found outside a designated refugee settlement without a valid gate pass, engaging in business without the requisite permit and being undocumented,” Nshinka said.

In Chililabombwe, 53 individuals were rounded up during an operation that began on October 17. Of these, 43 were detained, comprising 30 Congolese nationals, six people claiming Zambian citizenship, four Tanzanians, one Burundian, one Rwandan and one Somali refugee.

Nshinka said the suspected offences included illegal entry into Zambia, unlawful stay, being outside a designated refugee settlement without a valid gate pass and being undocumented.

He said four individuals were placed on report orders for further immigration formalities, while one Congolese national and three juveniles accompanying them were removed through the Kasumbalesa border control. Two other individuals were released.

“The Department remains committed to conducting regular and intelligence-led enforcement operations, in collaboration with other security wings, to ensure compliance with Zambia’s immigration laws,” Nshinka said.

He urged foreign nationals residing in or visiting Zambia to ensure they held valid immigration documents and complied with the conditions governing their entry and stay.

Employers and business operators were also reminded to ensure that foreign nationals engaged in employment or business activities possessed the required immigration permits.

Nshinka urged members of the public to cooperate with immigration officers and other law enforcement agencies by reporting suspected immigration violations.

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