Kagera nabs over 2,000 illegal immigrants

BUKOBA: THE Immigration Department in Kagera Region has intensified border surveillance, resulting in the apprehension of over 2,000 illegal immigrants for entering and residing in the country without valid residence permits.

The Regional Immigration Officer, Assistant Commissioner of Immigration (ACI), Petro Malima explained that the illegal immigrants were arrested during an operation conducted in July, this year.

“A total of 2,252 foreigners were rounded up last month by the Immigration Department in Kagera for entering and staying in the country without processing residence permits. Out of the number, 2,098 were deported to their countries of origin while 77 immigrants were arraigned in court to answer the charges,” he said.

The list included Burundians (1,956), Ugandans (105), Rwandan citizens (101), DRC (16), Kenyans (2), Sudanese (2) and others from Pakistan and India.

He added that several Tanzanians were also arrested for aiding the immigrants.

He explained that those from Pakistan and India their visas had already expired and were required to renew them.

Mr Malima strongly warned people who collude in hiding illegal immigrants that stern legal measures would be taken against them including prosecuting them in court.

“I would like to issue a strong warning to all Tanzanians, as well as any individuals who conspire with illegal immigrants to facilitate their entry or stay in the country in violation of our laws. Such actions are criminal and will not be tolerated. Offenders will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law. We must work together to uphold the integrity of our immigration system and ensure that all individuals comply with the legal procedures required to enter and reside in Tanzania,” he said.

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He appealed to citizens in the region to report aliens to authorities for necessary measures.

“Border areas between countries present valuable opportunities for the people living there. Residents should take advantage of these areas to engage in crossborder trade and improve their livelihoods, provided they meet all legal requirements. As the government, our role is to ensure that these communities benefit, but they must also comply fully with immigration regulations,” he warned.

Mr Malima further said the immigration officials in collaboration with local government leaders were working closely to identify people who lived in the country without residence permits.

“Our immigration officials, in close collaboration with village leaders, are actively working to identify individuals residing in the country without proper residence permits,” said Mr Malima.

Illegal immigration is often driven by factors such as civil wars, political instability and economic hardship experienced in certain countries.