Internal Affairs Arrests 135 Illegal Foreigners in Crackdown

The Ministry of Internal Affairs, under the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control, conducted a series of operations last weekend targeting illegal foreign nationals in Uganda.

These operations were carried out in Kabaragala, Kansanga, Muyenga, Gaba, and Kampala, leading to significant results.

Senior Immigration Officer and Deputy Spokesperson, Nachwala Lydia, says that 135 suspects were apprehended during the operations.The apprehended individuals are currently in custody and will face court proceedings, with potential penalties including fines, imprisonment, and deportation.

“The individuals arrested comprise Eritreans, Ethiopians, South Sudanese, Somalis, Congolese, and Chinese nationals,” stated Nakiwala.

Adding that;  “The Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control is committed to conducting daily operations to ensure orderly and legal migration in Uganda.”

In addition, 200 foreign nationals were verified and found to possess legal immigration facilities.

Nakiwala also called on foreign nationals to obtain the appropriate immigration facilities according to their activities in the country. These facilities include work permits for employees and investors, student passes for those studying, dependent passes for spouses and children of foreign nationals, special passes for short-term employment not exceeding three months, and intern and research passes for those on internships and research assignments.

She indicated that applications for these facilities can be made through the official website: www.visas.immigration.go.ug. It is also stressed that a tourist visa is strictly for tourism purposes and not for work, as clearly indicated on the visa sticker.

“All work, whether voluntary or otherwise, requires a specific work permit.We are grateful to the whistleblowers who help us maintain order regarding immigration facilities.”she noted