The Ministry of Internal Affairs in Uganda has disclosed that it deports more than 20 foreign nationals each month for residing in the country illegally, lacking proper working permits and travel documents. This revelation comes in response to the increasing number of foreigners entering Uganda on tourist visas and subsequently seeking employment in areas such as downtown Kampala and other locations.
Mr. Simon Mundeyi, the spokesperson for the ministry, explained that upon apprehension, the foreign nationals are taken to court and subsequently deported to their respective home countries. The ministry’s policy is to deport individuals who violate immigration laws, regardless of their country of origin.
In a related concern earlier this year, unemployed youth expressed dissatisfaction with the Equal Opportunities Commission due to the rising presence of foreign nationals, whom they accused of engaging in low-skilled jobs, such as security guards. Many of these individuals initially entered the country with student visas or as experts in various companies, yet they were found working in factories, supermarkets, and hardware stores without proper work permits.
Mr. Mundeyi advised foreign nationals with expired work permits to renew them. However, he stressed that they should seek assistance from their embassies in Kampala for the renewal process, as many have attempted to change their nationality upon realizing their permits have expired.
Foreign nationals often face arrest in various operations conducted across the country, especially in border districts. For instance, in 2021, a court in Kisoro District sentenced 20 foreign nationals who pleaded guilty to illegal entry, cautioning them before their subsequent deportation.
