Immigration department increases border patrols during festive season
The move was also intended to reduce criminal activities such as border jumping, the use of fake immigration stamps, and the use of fake travel documents.
Malawi: The Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services has increased border patrol, permit inspection, and compliance across the country in an effort to improve the integrity of our country's borders and protect native jobs as the holiday season approaches, writes Judgement Katika.
The move was also intended to reduce criminal activities such as border jumping, the use of fake immigration stamps, and the use of fake travel documents, all of which are associated with an increase in human trafficking, says a statement from the department.
“In an era of international uncertainty and national or regional conflicts, we face ongoing challenges from constantly evolving threats and volatile situations that, if not handled properly, may jeopardise our national security and the country's social and economic development,” reads the statement, in part.
“As a result, we are using a holistic approach, advanced surveillance, and intelligent technology and methodologies to monitor our borders, compliance enforcement and inspection, apprehending, prosecuting, deporting, or repatriating those who have entered or stayed illegally during these exercises.”
The department is advising the general public, particularly those planning cross-border travel, to always use formal crossing points and to have the necessary documents.
“We also urge the general public not to make any travel arrangements until their travel documents are ready. All foreign nationals residing in Malawi are also advised to carry certified copies of their passport's data page and endorsement stamp page, not to engage in any employment or business activity prior to permitting approval, and if they have any questions or require clarification regarding Immigration matters, they should not hesitate to visit any nearest Immigration office countrywide; failure to comply risks deportation,” reads the statement, in part.
Since January to date, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services has deported a total of 1,904 foreign nationals who violated various Immigration laws and also managed to repatriate 514 Ethiopian nationals.