South Africa deported 490 Mozambican citizens on Saturday for staying in the country illegally. They were received by the Maputo Provincial Directorate of Migration, which oversaw the screening, registration and referral procedures.
The process was carried out in a coordinated manner, involving the National Migration Service (SENAMI), the National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC), the Ministry of Health (MISAU), the Border Police and the Republic of Mozambique Police (PRM).
On the occasion, the citizens were advised to return to their respective areas of origin and encouraged to apply for ordinary passports through the Migration Services. They were also informed about the risks and legal consequences of illegal immigration.
According to Carmen Mazenga, spokesperson for the Maputo Provincial Directorate of Migration, citizens wishing to work abroad should obtain the appropriate visas to undertake professional activities in their destination countries.
The official clarified that a tourist visa, as well as the visa exemption arrangement between Mozambique and the Republic of South Africa (RSA), does not authorise people to undertake employment in that country.
“Anyone who works on a tourist visa immediately becomes an illegal immigrant, is detained and deported, and loses all the money invested. Always apply for a work visa through the embassies,” Carmen Mazenga urged.
Source: Domingo
