The Immigration Department has confirmed the arrest of 25 undocumented foreign nationals in Chitipa District and says the cases highlight ongoing challenges posed by irregular migration into Malawi.
In the latest incident, two undocumented Tanzanian nationals were apprehended by Immigration officials at Chitipa Border on Sunday, 12th April 2026 and the suspects were intercepted at Kapoka Roadblock along the Chitipa–Karonga Road.
They have been identified as Baraka Juma and John Nkhapela, both from Kigoma Province in Tanzania, a region that borders the Democratic Republic of Congo.
According to officials, the pair were traveling without valid documents and were reportedly en route to Mozambique.
Preliminary investigations indicate the two men were smuggled into Malawi through the Isongole Border in Tanzania by a bodaboda operator, who later transferred them to a taxi driver operating within Chitipa District.
The suspects have since been charged with illegal entry and they are expected to appear in court on Monday.
The arrests follow a separate incident on 6th April 2026, when 23 undocumented Burundian nationals were apprehended during a joint night operation by Immigration and Police officers.
The operation was launched following a tip-off from members of the public.
The 23 remain in custody and are also scheduled to appear in court on Monday, 13th April 2026.
The Immigration Department says irregular migration continues to threaten national security and socio-economic development.
The Department has appealed to the public to safeguard national interests by refraining from aiding or abetting illegal migration and to report suspicious activities to relevant authorities.
