In a significant move to combat illegal immigration, the Department of Immigration in Lusaka has apprehended 30 suspected illegal immigrants during coordinated raids on three prominent casinos late on February 15 and early on February 16, 2025.
Lusakatimes.com reports that the casinos targeted in the operation were Golden Galaxy, Monte Carlo, and Gen Long.
The Immigration Department’s Public Relations Officer, Namati Nshinka, said the initiative is part of the government’s commitment to tackle illegal immigration effectively. “The operations conducted at these casinos are part of a broader strategy to ensure that all individuals residing in Zambia are compliant with the nation’s immigrant laws,” Nshinka said.
The 30 included 11 Chinese nationals, eight Indian nationals, eight Cambodian nationals, one Filipino, one Kazakhstan national, and one Sri Lankan. The authorities emphasized the importance of regulating the immigration status of individuals in the country to maintain national security and legal compliance.
Wang Gang, a Chinese national, was detained for having an expired employment permit. Koay Somaly, a Cambodian national, was held after it was revealed that her application for an employment permit had been rejected. Those cases underscore the Immigration Department’s commitment to enforcing laws that prevent individuals from overstaying or residing without proper documentation.
While the remaining 28 individuals hold valid immigration permits, they have been asked to report to Immigration Headquarters for further immigration formalities.
In another development, immigration and police officers made further strides by apprehending two male Tanzanian nationals suspected of aiding and abetting seven undocumented Ethiopian nationals. This points out the challenges faced by immigration enforcement agencies as they work to address not only illegal residency but also the networks that facilitate such practices.
As Zambia continues to develop into a regional hub for commerce and trade, the balance between welcoming foreign investments and the enforcement of legal immigration practices remains critical. Several community leaders have expressed support for the Immigration Department’s efforts to maintain order through these operations.
