OVER 600 PERSONS ARRESTED.

The Department of Immigration on 30^th July 2023, apprehended 679 persons of different nationalities during a clean-up operation conducted by a combined team of Immigration Officers and Officers from other security wings.

The operation mainly targeted churches and aimed to rid Lusaka of illegal immigrants.

Immigration Public Relations Officer Namati Nshinka in a statement said the areas covered included Mandevu, Barlastone, Matero, Libala and COMESA Market.

He said of the 679 apprehended, 283, including 258 Zambians, were released unconditionally after preliminary screening conducted at Edwin Imboela Stadium. Twenty-five women with children were released and requested to report to Immigration Headquarters on Monday, 31^st July, 2023 for further immigration formalities, while 371 suspects were detained for further formalities and possible prosecution. 

The department has further advised foreign nationals wishing to stay in the country to ensure they do so within the confines of the Law.  

“We further advise foreign nationals wishing to stay in the country to ensure they do so within the confines of the Law,” he stated.