Over 840 Malawians detained in South Africa

About 150 Malawians were yesterday deported from South Africa through Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) in Lilongwe while hundreds others are being held at Lindela Repatriation Centre for illegal immigration.

Immigration Department Deputy national spokesperson Wellington Chiponde confirmed the development, saying another group of 150 illegal immigrants is expected to land at KIA today.

“Today, [Tuesday] we have received 150 Malawian deportees through KIA from South Africa where they were detained for contravening immigration [laws] of South Africa. We are expecting another 150 deportees to jet in tomorrow [today].”

He further urged Malawians to observe immigration regulations in foreign countries.

“Holding a valid Malawian passport is not enough, but they should also be familiar with immigration requirements in all countries they are travelling to,” Chiponde said.

Last year, over 1 000 illegal immigrants were detained in South Africa.