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The Department of Immigration, with support from other security agencies, apprehended 349 people during a city-wide operation in Lusaka on Sunday.
The exercise forms part of ongoing efforts to enforce immigration laws and ensure compliance with residency requirements.
According to a statement issued on Monday by Chief Public Relations Officer, Namati Nshinka, the operation covered multiple parts of the city.
Of those detained, 209 individuals claimed Zambian citizenship, while the remainder included 87 Burundians, 45 Congolese, three Tanzanians, three of unknown nationality, one Indian, and one Ugandan.
Read more: 175 suspected illegal immigrants apprehended in Ndola immigration sweep
“Following a comprehensive screening exercise, 212 persons were released unconditionally. This included the 209 Zambians who provided proof of citizenship, as well as two Burundians and one Congolese who demonstrated lawful presence in the country,” Nshinka said.
However, 110 individuals remain in detention pending further verification. This group comprises 64 Burundians, 39 Congolese, three Tanzanians, two of unknown nationality, one Indian, and one Ugandan.
In addition, 27 women — 19 Burundians and eight Congolese — have been directed to report to Immigration Headquarters on February 16 for further assessment of their immigration status.
The Department emphasized that Zambia remained welcoming to foreign nationals but stressed the importance of compliance with immigration regulations.
“While Zambia is a welcoming country, all foreign nationals are required to possess valid documentation and adhere to the conditions of their stay,” Nshinka said.
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