The Immigration Department has arrested 104 foreigners countrywide including Chinese nationals, Indians, Congolese, Malawians and Egyptians for various immigration offences.

According to a statement issued by Department of Immigration public relations officer Namati Nshinka, Friday, the suspects were apprehended between February 1 and 7, 2019, for unlawful stay and entry in the country and doing business without a permit.

“The Department of Immigration between February 1 and 7, 2019, apprehended 104 persons for various immigration offences countrywide. These were 58 Congolese; six Malawians and three Egyptians for unlawful stay. Others were two Burundians, one Chinese and one Tanzanian. Those apprehended for unlawful entry were four Malawians, two Egyptians, one Tanzanian and one Burundian,” Nshinka stated.

“Meanwhile, seven Ethiopians, three Botswanans and one Zimbabwean, were apprehended for unlawful entry and stay. Others were one Congolese, one Malawian and one Angolan. Others apprehended were three Tanzanians; three Zimbabweans and one South African for doing business without a permit, and two Chinese and two Indians, for failing to comply with conditions of their employment permits.”

And Nshinka stated that during the period under review, the Department also secured the conviction of 27 people who were sentenced to pay fines of between K150 and K5,000.

“During this period, the Department secured the conviction of 27 persons. The convicts were sentenced to pay fines of between K150 and K5,000 or in default between three weeks and three years’ imprisonment. These were three Tanzanians; three Congolese and two Egyptians, convicted for unlawful stay. Others were one Indian and one Kenyan. Those convicted for unlawful entry were five Congolese and five Malawians. Others convicted were one Chinese for unlawful stay and failure to observe conditions of employment permit and six Congolese refugees for being outside a refugee camp without authority,” he narrated.

Nshinka further stated that during the same period, the Department removed 32 illegal immigrants from the country and refused seven foreign nationals entry into Zambia.

“During this same period, the Department also removed 32 illegal immigrants from the country and refused seven foreign nationals entry into Zambia. Those removed were 16 Congolese; eight Malawians; three Tanzanians and two Egyptians. Others were one Peruvian, one Zimbabwean and one Rwandese. Those refused entry were three Vietnamese, one Sudanese and one Tanzanian. Others were one Ugandan and one Zimbabwean,” stated Nshinka.