Mbale, Uganda – In a crackdown on irregular immigration, Ugandan authorities from the ministry of internal affairs have arrested 14 foreigners from India, Pakistan, Lebanon, and Nigeria in Mbale.
According to Simon Peter Mundeyi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the individuals were found living and working in Uganda without valid work permits. “Some had expired entry visas, while others had stayed for 10 years despite being granted only three months,” Mundeyi said.
Mundeyi revealed that most of the arrested individuals had married Ugandan women without registering with the Ministry, making their unions illegal. “These people are being processed for prosecution, and we will start taking them to court on Wednesday.” He highlighted
Those with lesser immigration issues will be allowed to regularize their stay by applying for necessary documents. However, individuals with severe immigration violations, such as overstaying for over 10 years, will face fines of $30 per day and eventual deportation.
Mundeyi urged foreign nationals to comply with Ugandan law by applying for visas online at Visas.imigration.go.ug. “Work permits cost $2,500 per year, and we encourage foreigners to legalize their stay to live and work in harmony.”
