The Department of Immigration says 55 people were released after verification, while four others were removed from Zambia.

The Department of Immigration has detained 53 people over suspected immigration offences following joint enforcement operations in Kitwe and Chililabombwe on the Copperbelt.

The operations, conducted between October 16 and 18, 2026, resulted in 130 people being rounded up, according to a statement issued by the department's chief public relations officer, Namati Nshinka.

Of those, 55 were released after their immigration status was verified, 18 were placed on Report Orders for further immigration formalities, and four were removed from the country.

43 detained in Chililabombwe

In Chililabombwe, where the operation began on October 17, immigration officers rounded up 53 people and detained 43 over suspected offences.

The department said those detained included 30 Congolese nationals, six people claiming to be Zambian citizens, four Tanzanians, one Burundian, one Rwandan and one Somali refugee.

The suspected offences included illegal entry, unlawful stay, being outside a designated refugee settlement without a valid gate pass and lacking documentation.

Four people were placed on Report Orders for further immigration formalities, while two others were released after their lawful immigration status was confirmed.

The department said a Congolese national and four accompanying individuals, including three juveniles, were removed through the Kasumbalesa Border Control. The statement does not specify the immigration status of the three juveniles.

Eight Zambians apprehended in Kitwe

In Kitwe, 77 people were rounded up during the operation.

The department said the group included 26 Congolese nationals, 22 people claiming to be Zambian citizens, 16 Tanzanians, four Ugandans and one Burundian refugee.

Eight Zambian nationals were also apprehended for allegedly obstructing immigration officers carrying out their duties.

Following screening, 10 people were detained over suspected immigration offences, including conducting business without the required permit, lacking documentation and being outside a designated refugee settlement without a valid gate pass.

The department said 14 people were placed on Report Orders, while 53 were released after producing valid documents confirming their lawful status in Zambia.

Immigration authorities have urged foreign nationals living in or visiting Zambia to maintain valid documentation and comply with the conditions governing their entry and stay. Employers and business operators were also reminded to ensure that foreign nationals working for them or conducting business have the required permits.

The department said it would continue conducting enforcement operations in collaboration with other security agencies.