Over 7,000 foreigners nabbed for violating immigration laws

DODOMA: The Immigration Department has a pprehended 7,069 foreign nationals from various countries during a special nationwide operation conducted over a fourmonth period, from January to April this year.

This was announced by the Department’s Chief Spokesperson, SSI Paul Mselle, in a public statement released yesterday.

The operation targeted foreign nationals residing in the country without valid permits, or those engaging in employment or business activities in violation of their visa conditions.

According to the statement, a range of legal measures have been implemented to those arrested including 1,008 individuals who were prosecuted in court, 703 received prison sentences, 257 successfully regularised their residency status, 4,796 were deported and for other 305 investigations are ongoing.

“The Immigration Department has conducted a special nationwide operation over a period of four months from January to April 2025, aimed at taking legal action against foreign nationals residing in the country without valid permits or violating the terms of their work or business permits. As a result, a total of 7,069 foreign nationals from various countries have been apprehended,” the statement read.

The statement continues, “Various measures were taken against them, including: 1,008 taken to court (703 sentenced to prison, 257 regularised their status) and 4,796 deported. Investigations are still ongoing for 305 others.”

Moreover, in a separate operation, the department in collaboration with other security agencies carried out a special operation and inspection in the Kariakoo area, resulting in the arrest of 62 foreign nationals for residing and conducting business without valid permits.

According to the statement, the department deported foreign nationals, including those who violated the terms stipulated in their business permits.

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“A total of 62 foreign nationals from various countries were arrested and deported for residing and conducting business without permits and some for violating the conditions outlined in their business permits,” the statement reads.

Furthermore, the Department has urged all foreign nationals in the country to comply with.