The Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services has initiated a widespread operation targeting foreigners who are presumed to be staying and working illegally in the country.
According to information we’ve gathered, officials from the department arrested several foreigners on Tuesday morning for not having proper documentation.
However, some individuals who were detained have claimed that the department engaged in harassment during the operation.
“I have all my documents in order. When they asked for them, I provided them, but they still went ahead and arrested me in front of my coworkers and customers.
“It has been a very bad experience, I never imagined to be treated like this when I have all the required documents,” said one of the suspects, who works at a chain store.
Another individual, who was apprehended shortly after making a purchase, shared a similar experience
. “I was accused of working without proper documentation, even though I explained that I was just a customer,” he said.
When contacted, Wellington Chiponde, the public relations officer for the Immigration Department confirmed the exercise, which he called a routine one.
“It’s a routine exercise which we conduct now and again. It is is still ongoing as we speak,” he said adding that he will be able to disclose all the information once the exercise is completed
