Immigration Shed Light on ‘Deported’ Russian National

The disappearance of a Russian national from Zambia last week continues to raise dust with the immigration department weighing in with an explanation.

Last week Vice President Inonge Wina ordered an inquiry in an incident where Russian national Sergey Kuznetsov of Gemcanton Emerald Mine was allegedly kidnaped.

Below is the statement from the Immigration Department

PRESS RELEASE

[FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE]

22nd January, 2019

RE:    THE DEPARTURE FROM ZAMBIA OF MR. SERGEY KUZNETSOV OF GEMCANTON EMERALD MINE

The Department wishes to set the record straight on the story that has dominated the media space on Mr. Sergey Kuznetsov of Gemcanton Emeralds Mine. We have observed the consistent use of the term ‘Deportation’ by some media houses in reference to the departure from Zambia of the Russian.

This is very misleading and has compelled us to clarify the matter. We have no intentions, at this moment to comment on the allegations of abduction as this is a matter under investigation. We however think it is imperative to comment on the alleged deportation.

A Deportation refers to a removal out of Zambia of a foreign national under a warrant of deportation signed by the Minister of Home Affairs, pursuant to section 39(1) and (2) of the Immigration and Deportation Act. A deportation will arise in the following two circumstances:

A none Zambian has served a prison sentence in Zambia; or

It is the opinion of an immigration officer that the presence or conduct of the none-Zambian is likely to cause danger or breach of peace and good order in Zambia.

In both scenarios, the Director General makes recommendation to the Honourable Minister of Home Affairs for consideration. If the Honourable Minister is satisfied with the grounds of the recommendation, he then signs a warrant of deportation, which is then executed.

Whenever carrying out a deportation, the deportee is escorted by Immigration Officers. Lastly, a deportee shall not be admitted to Zambia unless under exemption by the Minister of Home Affairs.

It is clear that Mr. Kuznetsov was not deported from Zambia, as there was neither a signed warrant of  deportation by the Minister of Home Affairs nor Immigration Officers to carry out the deportation. On the contrary, he presented himself before immigration for exit clearance like any other person wishing to travel out of the country.

Namati H. Nshinka (Mr)

PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER

255282/0977718155

News source: Zambia Reports

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