Immigration department increases border patrols during festive season

Malawi: The Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services has increased border patrol, permit inspection, and compliance across the country in an effort to improve the integrity of our country's borders and protect native jobs as the holiday season approaches, writes Judgement Katika.

The move was also intended to reduce criminal activities such as border jumping, the use of fake immigration stamps, and the use of fake travel documents, all of which are associated with an increase in human trafficking, says a statement from the department.

The department is advising the general public, particularly those planning cross-border travel, to always use formal crossing points and to have the necessary documents.

Since January to date, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services has deported a total of 1,904 foreign nationals who violated various Immigration laws and also managed to repatriate 514 Ethiopian nationals.