By Cecilia Chiluba,Zambia,Lusaka
Zambia has nabbed 84 Congolese nationals following a major crackdown on illegal immigrants in the country.
According to the country’s Department of Immigration, the 84 Congolese nationals, were part of 175 individuals nabbed during a clean-up operation conducted in the Ndola region.
Following screening and verification processes 15 refugees of Congolese origin were mandated to self-relocate to Meheba Refugee Settlement in line with established refugee management regulations.
Immigration Chief Public Relations Officer, Namati Nshinka revealed that 10 Congolese adults in the company of 26 undocumented minors were physically removed from Zambia through Sakania Border Control, while six were served with notices to leave the country for engaging in studies without valid study permits.
“The Ndola Regional Immigration Office on 13th February, 2026 175 suspected illegal immigrants during a clean-up operation conducted with the support of other security wings. The operation targeted Hill Crest, Mitengo, George, Kawama, Kansenshi and Dola Hill areas of Ndola.”
“Those apprehended comprised 84 Congolese nationals, 26 persons whose nationality is yet to be ascertained, 17 refugees of Congolese origin, 11 Zimbabweans, eight Kenyans, five Somalis, four Tanzanians, four Dutch nationals, four Chinese nationals, three Indians, two Finnish nationals, two refugees of Eritrean origin, one Eritrean, one American, one Lithuanian, one Ghanaian and one refugee of Somali origin,” Nshinka said.
He further disclosed that 83 individuals were released unconditionally after producing documentary proof of lawful presence in the country or confirmation of Zambian nationality, while 25 were directed to report to the Ndola Regional Immigration Office on 16th February, 2026 for further verification.
“Two Chinese nationals were released after paying for Temporary Permits to regularize their stay in the country. A Ghanaian national was handed over to the Drug Enforcement Commission for further action. Seven suspects, namely two Chinese and five Congolese nationals, remain in detention pending further investigations and possible prosecution,” he added.
Meanwhile, in Southern Province, the Department between 12th and 13th February, 2026 apprehended 17 Ethiopian nationals for failure to appear before the nearest Immigration Officer on entry into Zambia.
Nshinka reiterated that while Zambia remains committed to facilitating lawful travel, trade and regional integration, all foreign nationals are required to comply with immigration laws, including presenting themselves before Immigration Officers upon entry and obtaining appropriate permits for their intended activities.
