The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) has threatened to arrest all foreigners with expired work permits and other documents supporting their stay in Uganda. Jacob Siminyu, MIA’s Spokesperson, said many foreigners were given amnesty during Covid19 lockdown but they have abused it by continuously living in the country without proper documents.
Siminyu explains that during lockdown, the ministry resolved to give amnesty to all foreigners whose stay documents had expired in an attempt to control crowds that could have contributed to the spread of Covid19.
However, Siminyu says that the condition was that they would update their documents as soon as restrictions were removed. Uganda’s last lockdown started on June 6, 2021 and ended on July 29 of the same year.
But MIA says since then a number of foreigners have not bothered to update their documents or travel back to their respective countries. “During the lockdown we had given some amnesty to some foreigners who could not travel because of lockdown. There many people who have stayed illegally and the only excuse they are still giving is Covid19. You should ensure you regularize your stay,” Siminyu said.
Siminyu reminds foreigners that for each of the days they have illegally stayed in Uganda, they will have to pay a stipulated fine of $20 (about Shs70000). It is now six months ever since the second lockdown was lifted on travelers.
When $20 are multiplied with the more than 180 days in their six months of illegal stay, it means each of the foreigners owes Uganda at least Shillings 12million. Nevertheless, Siminyu did not provide numbers of illegal persons living in Uganda.
“The fine for staying illegally in this country is $20 per day. You are advised to approach immigration and update your status. Soon were are going to conduct our operations arresting whoever is illegally staying in Uganda,” Siminyu said.
Meanwhile Ugandan have been reminded that they are left with only two months to replace the old machine readable passports. Nevertheless, the public has been urged not to panic because even after the old passports will be declared on April 4th, issuances of the East African passport will continue.