Reported by: S. Ernest.
Date: 14th January, 2025.
The Department of Immigration has stepped up its operations to address illegal immigration, resulting in multiple apprehensions and prosecutions across Zambia between January 9th and 12th, 2025.
These operations underscore the department’s commitment to maintaining national security and upholding immigration laws.
On January 11th, 2025, eight Ethiopian nationals aged between 14 and 21 were apprehended by the Muyombe Immigration Office in Muchinga Province for entering Zambia illegally.
The group was intercepted in the Chamawa area of Mafinga District after allegedly crossing the border from Malawi via bush paths en route to South Africa.
A 24-year-old Malawian national was also detained for aiding and abetting the group. The suspects were transferred to Isoka Correctional Facility and are awaiting court proceedings.
On the same day, 18 undocumented Ethiopians, aged between 14 and 20, were detained by the Nyimba Immigration Office. They were intercepted at the Kacholola Checkpoint in a Lusaka-bound vehicle, a Toyota Sienta, registration number CAA 740.
Two Zambian nationals, Jacob Mbewe (37) and Damiano Banda (46), were also arrested for facilitating the transportation of the immigrants. The detainees are being held at Nyimba Correctional Facility pending prosecution.
In an earlier operation on January 9th, the Lusaka Regional Immigration Office apprehended 17 suspected illegal immigrants at COMESA Market. Among them were 15 Tanzanians and two Congolese nationals. All suspects are set to appear in court shortly.
These actions brought the total number of individuals apprehended for various immigration offenses across the country during the reporting period to 132.
Additionally, the Katima Mulilo Immigration Office secured the conviction of a 41-year-old Norwegian national, Martin Opilas Amundsen, for failing to report to an immigration officer upon entry into Zambia.
Amundsen, who had a prior record of overstaying in March 2024, was fined K17,000 or sentenced to nine months in prison by the Sesheke Magistrate Court.
The Department also successfully deported 56 illegal immigrants and denied entry to five individuals who did not meet the required entry criteria during this period.
The Department of Immigration has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward illegal immigration and related offenses. Those found violating immigration laws, including those who facilitate such activities, will face the full force of the law.
The public is encouraged to cooperate by reporting any suspicious activities to the nearest immigration office to help combat illegal immigration and safeguard Zambia’s borders.
The Ministry Of Home Affairs and Internal Security
The Agency