Kagera nabs over 800 illegal immigrants
KAGERA: THE Immigration Department in Kagera Region has intensified border surveillance, resulting in the apprehension of over 800 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 between June and July, this year.
“Over 800 foreigners have been rounded up by the Immigration Department in Kagera for entering and staying in Tanzania without processing residential permits. Last month alone, a total of 725 aliens were arrested, of whom 637 were deported to their countries of origin,” he said.
The list included Burundians (514), Ugandans (59), Rwandese (41), DRC (6), Chinese (5) and others from Kenya, Ethiopia and Pakistan. He added that 53 Tanzanians were also arrested for aiding the immigrants.
“The individuals from China, Pakistan and Ethiopia possessed visas but had overstayed,” he said.
According to Mr Malima, within the last four days from July 1, this year over 140 aliens were rounded up – 74 in Missenyi District, 35 in Biharamulo while 26 Burundians were arrested yesterday in Ngara District, saying arrangements were being made to deport them back to their countries.
He strongly warned people who collude in hiding illegal immigrants that stern action would be taken against them including prosecuting them in court.
“I would like to warn Tanzanians and all other individuals who conspire with illegal immigrants to enter and stay in the country contrary to the laws of the land that they will be arrested and arraigned as per law, we must work together to address this problem and avoid violating immigration laws,” he warned.
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 cross-border 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 said.
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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 processing residential permits.
“Our immigration officials, in close collaboration with village leaders, are actively working to identify individuals residing in the country without proper residential permits,” said Mr Malima.
Illegal immigration is one of the offences caused by civil wars, political instability and economic hardship, which occur in some countries.
