Ondjiva - The Foreign Migration Service (SME) has recorded a total of 189,998 migratory movements of nationals and foreigners during the first quarter of this year at the border between southern Cunene (Angola) and the Republic of Namibia, the head of the SME press office Isomar Matias told ANGOP Friday.
Isomar Matias said that compared to the previous period there was an increase of 69,703 movements and that the movement took place at the Santa Clara, Calueque, Okalongo and Ruacaná border totaling the entry and exit of 107,669 nationals and 82,319 foreigners of different nationalities.
He said that under the visa waiver agreements, the SME registered the entry of 271 foreigners and issued 42 tourist visas in favor of Cuban, Finnish, French, Slovak, Swedish, Kenyan, Dutch, Chinese, British, Swiss, Pakistani, American, Egyptian, Portuguese, Colombian and Brazilian citizens, among others.
During the period in question, he highlighted the reception of 252 nationals in an illegal migration situation from the town of Epalela in the Omusati region, who, after registering and completing migration formalities, returned to their areas of origin.
The spokesperson said at least 125 offences of illegal entry and stay, lack of passport renewal were recorded resulting in 509 inspection activities, with 106 foreign citizens being questioned.
As regards to migratory acts, 421 ordinary passports were issued, 220 of which were issued and 194 for reissue, 1,850 passports and 7,350 crossing passes for people living near the border.
The SME is currently monitoring 512 citizens in Cunene, 357 with work visas, 61 residents, 66 with temporary stays, 23 convicts and five detainees.
It is also monitoring 103 asylum seekers and two refugees.
The official said the SME intends to reinforce measures to combat illegal immigration, having called on residents in cross-border locations to get involved in reporting possible invaders.
Cunene province shares 460 kilometers, 340 by land and 120 by river of border with the Republic of Namibia.FI/LHE/VIC/TED/AMP
