Immigration Officers Raid On Illegal Immigrants, Nabbed Eleven Ethiopians In Karonga

Immigration authorities in the northern region have managed an interception of about 130 illegal immigrants who entered the country (Malawi) using unchartered routes.

The development is worrisome as the country’s prisons are reported to be keeping around 500 Ethiopians on charges of entering the country without proper documentation.

This was disclosed on Friday when Northern Region Immigration Officials made an arrest of eleven (11) Ethiopian nationals on suspicion that they entered in the country illegally on 18 April, 2024 contrary to Section 21(1) of the Malawi Immigration Act.

Northern Region Immigration Public Relations Officer, Sergeant Francis Chitambuli said the arrested Ethiopians, all males were intercepted on the shores around Hangalawe in Karonga whilst hiding.

“A team of officers from Regional Immigration Office North conducted a search at one of the houses in the said area during patrols and unfortunately, no one was found inside. Further security intelligence around the house unveiled that unknown male Malawian guided the 11 Ethiopians to the lake shores with intentions to find another hiding place for the suspected illegal immigrants before departure to Lilongwe today,” said Chitambuli.

The North Immigration Publicist further stated that all 11 suspects did not legalise their entry or stay in the country and were not in possession of passports, and Visas.

Meanwhile, all the suspected illegal Immigrants are in custody awaiting legal proceedings, and the unknown suspected male Malawian masterminded of the ìllegal act is on the run.

The development comes barely nine days after some 20 Ethiopians were also arrested for illegal entry whilst hiding near Mwanda and Kakozi mountains at Hewe area in Rumphi district.