Immigration authorities in Lilongwe in conjunction with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have repatriated the fourth phase of 39 Ethiopian nationals through Kamuzu International Airport.
National Public Relations Officer for the Department of Immigration, Pasqually Zulu, said the exercise which is being supported by both the governments of Malawi and Ethiopia managed to repatriate 39 Ethiopian nationals who were supposed to be repatriated last week Friday. However, the exercise was cancelled due to technical and logistical challenges.
“Through the initiative which started in August we have managed to repatriate a total of 179 Ethiopians in three phases through the Kamuzu International Airport,” Zulu said.
He said currently, Maula Prison has 171 Ethiopians remaining under immigration custody waiting for the next repatriation which is expected to be done soon.
Meanwhile, the department is pleading with the general public to refrain from aiding and abetting illegal immigrants because it compromises national security and social-economic development.
The repatriation initiative is being implemented by the department with other stakeholders as one way of decongesting prison facilities amidst the cholera and Covid-19 Pandemic.
