Immigration Urges Community Cooperation
By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia24 -- (30-4-2026) -- The Department of Immigration in Lusaka has urged communities to work closely with immigration authorities to ensure lawful migration, prevent human trafficking, and promote safer neighbourhoods.
The Department of Immigration has also launched a wider community sensitisation programme aimed at increasing public awareness on immigration laws and addressing raising cases of illegal migration and related offences.
Speaking during a community sensitization programme held in Matero and Lilanda on 30th April, 2026, Department of Immigration Chief Risk Management and Compliance Officer, Mrs. Jane Kaela Lufwendo, said the call for community cooperation comes amid growing concerns over undocumented foreign nationals living and conducting business in some communities.
She said this has made it difficult to effectively monitor the legal status of foreign nationals, posing risks to public safety, orderly business regulation, and national security.
Mrs. Lufwendo noted that some members of the public unknowingly assist undocumented migrants due to lack of information, while others ignore immigration requirements, weakening enforcement efforts.
She said sensitisation efforts have been intensified because field operations have continued to reveal cases of undocumented migrants in various communities, as well as challenges faced during enforcement.
Mrs. Lufwendo emphasized that effective migration management requires cooperation between immigration officers and communities.
She said, “Immigration officers cannot be everywhere at once. Communities play a key role in supporting compliance and discouraging illegal activities.”
She added that the Department of Immigration has been conducting compliance operations in areas such as Matero and Lilanda to ensure that foreign nationals residing or operating businesses in Zambia have valid documentation.
She further explained that the operations are aimed at promoting compliance, not targeting individuals.
Mrs. Lufwendo also raised concern over the risks linked to human trafficking and the dangers of assisting or harbouring undocumented migrants, saying such practices expose communities to exploitation and other criminal activities.
He said the exercise, which has been rolled out in areas such as Circle Market and other communities including Linda, has been prompted by increasing public complaints and concerns over illegal immigrants.
Mr. Nshinka also noted that enforcement operations have at times encountered resistance, further highlighting the need for public understanding and cooperation.
He warned against individuals and busi9pnesses that facilitate or harbour illegal immigrants, stating that such acts are criminal under Zambian immigration law.
Mr. Nshinka explained that harbouring includes renting out houses, shops, or market spaces to undocumented foreign nationals, adding that offenders risk prosecution.
“We are urging members of the public to desist from harbouring illegal immigrants andp0 instead report suspected cases to the Department of Immigration,” he said.
He also cautioned against mob justice, stressing that suspected illegal immigrants should be reported to relevant authorities rather than being assaulted or detained by members of the public.
Mr. Nshinka further emphasized that Zambia remains open to foreign nationals who comply with immigration procedures, noting that documented migrants contribute positively to key sectors such as health, education, and the economy.
He attributed some of the challenges in controlling illegal migration to Zambia’s extensive and porous borders, which stretch across several neighbouring countries and are difficult to fully secure at all times.
Despite these challenges, he said government has intensified border patrols and internal operations, resulting in increased interceptions of illegal immigrants.
Both officials stressed that the success of migration management depends on strong collaboration between government and the public, urging citizens to actively report suspicious activities.
The Department of Immigration says the sensitisation programme will continue in other communities as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen enforcement and improve public awareness on immigration regulations.
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