By CHIMPREPORTS
The Ugandan Department of Inspection and Legal Services, operating under the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control, has carried out the deportation of over 300 illegal immigrants as part of a six-month security operation targeting such individuals from July to December 2023.
The initiative resulted in the expulsion of 309 individuals, while 36 victims of human trafficking were identified and provided with appropriate support, with referrals made to relevant authorities for further assistance.
Simon Mundeyi, the Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, revealed that a total of 1,655 foreign nationals were suspected of residing illegally in the country. Raids were conducted on locations believed to harbor undocumented individuals, leading to the apprehension of those lacking proper documentation, such as passports, work permits, or dependent passes.
Some of the immigrants deemed security risks were found working in various establishments including factories, shops, supermarkets, and furniture stores across the country. Reasons for deportation included suspicious entry into the country, overstaying without renewing work permits or other travel documents.
Foreigners illegally residing in Uganda incur a daily fine of USD 20, and those who have been deported were fined for the duration of their illegal stay, up to 90 days.
Agnes Igoye, Deputy National Coordinator of the Trafficking in Persons Department in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, highlighted concerns about some foreigners being smuggled into the country through porous borders, including gazetted borders such as Malaba, where checks are often abused.
In the recent operation, 309 individuals were deemed ineligible to remain in Uganda and were removed from the country through organized departures or, in some cases, deportation. Additionally, 80 individuals contested their arrests and appealed to the Minister of Internal Affairs, with their cases currently under review.
A total of 62 individuals managed to regularize their stay in Uganda by obtaining necessary permits and documentation, such as work permits, student passes, or certificates of residence. Moreover, 23 individuals identified as asylum seekers were referred to the Office of the Prime Minister for further processing. Additionally, 853 individuals, while possessing valid permits, were found without identification documents at the time of their arrest. A total of 292 files were closed after investigation.
As of January 2024, 348 foreigners were investigated, and 27 were deported.
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