Zambia Immigration Refutes Claims of Detaining Zambian Children, Confirms Individuals Are Rwandan Refugees

Chongwe, Zambia – July 28, 2025

The Zambian Department of Immigration has strongly refuted claims made by governance activist Mr. Isaac Mwanza, who alleged that immigration authorities had detained Zambian-born children during a routine operation.

The Department clarified that no Zambian children were detained, and the allegations are factually incorrect.

In a formal statement released today, the Immigration Department explained that the individuals mentioned by Mr. Mwanza are Rwandan nationals, not Zambian citizens. They possess valid refugee identity cards and were part of a group of eleven people apprehended on Friday, July 25, 2025, during a standard compliance operation in Chongwe District.

Authorities reported that two of the Rwandan nationals were found working in a grocery store without appropriate immigration work permits—an explicit violation of Zambia’s immigration and labor laws. The Department emphasized that enforcement was carried out based on legal breaches, not nationality or origin.

The Immigration Department also criticized Mr. Mwanza for failing to verify facts before making public accusations. “Despite having the opportunity to consult the Department for accurate information, Mr. Mwanza proceeded with unverified claims,” the statement noted. The Department expressed concern over what it described as a recurring pattern of misinformation from the activist concerning immigration matters.

Reaffirming its commitment to upholding Zambia’s legal frameworks, the Department underscored that while Zambia’s Constitution provides legal pathways for qualifying individuals to apply for citizenship, holding refugee status or residing as a non-citizen does not exempt anyone from immigration compliance.

The Department concluded by urging civil society, media houses, and the general public to verify sensitive information through official channels to prevent the spread of misinformation and public confusion.