Foreign Truck Drivers Resolve to Abandon Zambian Route Over Exorbitant Immigration Fees
Truck Drivers from SADC, COMESA and EAST Africa Communities have resolved to abandon the Zambian route on 16th December 2024, until the government exempts them from buying transit permits at a fee of K12, 000 and K15, 000 respectively.
The Zambian Government, through the Ministry of Home Affairs introduced the Immigration and Deportation Act No.18 of 2010 and Section 32 (2,3,4) of the Act speaks to the issuance of Transit Visa.
According to the Act, a Transit permit is only issued to drivers of commercial vehicles after they have exhausted the 90 days business visit in Zambia before end of the year.
The permit is only valid for 12 months and can further be renewed for the next 12 months at the same rate of K12.000/K15,000 respectively.
And in a letter addressed to all SADC Member States and other stakeholders, the foreign drivers mainly from Malawi, South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique and other neighboring countries, lament that the effectiveness of this Act has left many foreign drivers losing their jobs after failing to raise the required transit fees.
Nyathi Dingini, who is Namibia- Zimbabwe- Zambia Drivers Coordinator, said the affected drivers have resolved that there shall be no any trucks crossing either side of the borders between Zambia and its neighboring Countries because they do not have the K15, 000.
“As such, we have been writing letters and submitted them through responsible offices and we have also physically tried to meet relevant authorities to raise our grievances from 2021 up to date but we have yielded nothing.”
“Therefore, we as the affected drivers from the SADC, COMESA and EAST Africa Communities, would like to notify you that, starting from 16th December 2024 until where the Zambia government will decide to exempt foreign drivers from buying transit permits, there shall be no any trucks crossing either side of the borders between Zambia and its neighboring countries because we do not have K15, 000,” Mr. Dingini stated.
He said foreign drivers would also love to see their fellow Zambian drivers, mostly those doing cross border transportation, to remain in their country on this day or stop together with their fellow African drivers in solidarity to the concerns raised.
“Of course, we can understand that each country has got its own laws and are there to be adhered to as long as they are for the betterment of many people regardless of nationality, religion, race or tribe. But if they found bringing some challenges like in our case, we hope the authorities are always there to find solutions. It is our greatest wish we enjoy together the fruits of independent in Africa,” he added.
The letter was signed by Professional Drivers Union of Malawi, Vice General Secretary McDonald Chilanga, United Truck Drivers Association Secretary General Fideris Mukarati, Associaciao De Camionistas De Mozambique President Jaime Chival Valdy and Namibia- Zimbabwe- Zambia Drivers Coordinator, Nyathi Dingini.
And when contacted for a comment, Department of Immigration Public Relations Officer Namati Nshinka, acknowledged receipt of the letter and assured that the Department will respond to the concerns raised in due course.
“Yes, we have seen that letter. We will respond to the letter it has been written to us,” Mr. Nshinka said.
