Malawi deports over 20 foreigners for contravening immigration laws

By Lovemore Khomo

The Immigration and Citizenship Services Department in the North says has confirmed the deportation of over 20 foreign nationals in a space of 5 days for contravening immigration laws.

Northern Region Immigration Office Public Relations Officer, Seargent Francis Chitambuli said the first phase of repatriation was done on 2nd June, 2023, involving 10 Congolese, 4 Burundians and an Ethiopian.

“Another group of 8 foreigners comprising an Ethiopian and 7 Congolese were also repatriated through Songwe border for failure to comply with Immigration Entry and Stay requirements.” Disclosed Chitambuli

This has come amidst the ongoing relocation exercise of refugees and asylum seekers to Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Dowa District through the Ministry of Homeland Security.

Chitambuli said the foreign nationals in question entered the country without proper procedures and violated the United Nations for High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) conditions.

“Among the 10 Congolese, one has been found guilty of illegal entry offence contrary to Sections 21(1) of the Immigration Act while the other 9 Congolese, 4 Burundians and an Ethiopian entered the country without following asylum seeking procedures as well as UNHCR conditions,” explained Chitambuli.

He added that all the concerned nationals have been repatriated to their respective countries through Mbirima border in Chitipa district.

Meanwhile, the immigration and Citizenship Services Department on 5th June, 2023 also deported an Ethiopian through Kamuzu International Airport for illegal entry into the country.

The Northern Region Immigration Department PRO revealed that there are more than 400 illegal immigrants in the Northern Region awaiting deportation after being convicted for illegal entry.