By ALICE NACHILEMBE
The Department of Immigration has arrested a 35-year-old Zambian woman for providing illegal immigration consultancy.
Rita Lupwaya of 15 Miles, Lusaka was arrested on 27th August, 2021 after the Department received allegations of unregistered immigration consultancy services by Ms Lupwaya who unsuccessfully attempted the Immigration Consultancy Selection process in 2019.
Immigrations Public Relations Officer Namati Nshinka said it is alleged that on dates unknown but between 21st January, and June 2021 she did carry out illegal immigration consultancy when she made online applications for investor permit extension on behalf of two Congolese nationals and charged them service fees without being registered as an Immigration Consultant.
Mr Nshinka said she will soon appear before Court.
He said this brings the number of persons apprehended by the Department for immigration-related offences between 27th and 29th August 2021 to fifty-one (51).
Meanwhile, the Department of Immigration in Lusaka has secured the conviction of a Tanzanian national Proches Benard Mroso 54 for the offences of failing to appear before an Immigration Officer and unlawful stay.
He was arrested on 6th August, 2021 in Olympia Park following a tip-off from members of the public. This was after it was established that he entered Zambia on unknown dates but between 2015 and August, 2021 without appearing before an Immigration Officer and stayed in country during this period, unlawfully.
Mr Nshinka said the department has noted with concern a number of cases involving illegal immigration consultancy.
“We wish to caution our clients and members of the public to desist from engaging anyone who is not authorized by law to offer immigration assistance. This has in some cases resulted in persons being swindled of their hard earned resources and in other cases ended up becoming illegal in Zambia. Further, we would like to warn any person practicing immigration consultancy illegally that they will soon be tracked down brought to book. Furthermore, we wish to encourage members of the public with information of those providing illegal immigration consultancy services to contact the Department of Immigration,” he said.
