LUSAKA - A group of applicants, employers, investors and other stakeholders has raised concerns over what they describe as inconsistent decisions by the Department of Immigration regarding immigration permit applications.
In a public complaint addressed to the Department, the stakeholders allege that some applicants receive official communication confirming their permit applications have been approved and are instructed to pay the prescribed fees. However, when they later return to collect their permits, they are informed that their applications have instead been rejected.
The group says the practice has raised concerns about the credibility, transparency and consistency of the permit approval process.
Among the issues raised, the stakeholders are seeking clarification on whether the same Permit Committee that approves applications is also responsible for later reversing those decisions, and under what legal or administrative process an approved application can subsequently be rejected.
They also questioned who has the authority to overturn an approval after an applicant has been formally notified and whether applicants are provided with written reasons for such reversals.
The stakeholders further called for an explanation of the internal controls in place to prevent contradictory decisions from being communicated to members of the public.
According to the complaint, the alleged inconsistencies have resulted in financial losses and operational challenges for applicants, employers and investors. They argue that some applicants make travel arrangements, resign from existing jobs or enter into contractual commitments based on official approval letters, only to later learn that their applications have been declined.
The group has appealed to the Department of Immigration to investigate the reported cases, clarify the procedures governing permit approvals and reversals, publish clear guidelines on when approved applications may be reconsidered, strengthen internal quality assurance mechanisms and ensure applicants are not subjected to conflicting official communications.
The stakeholders said their complaint is intended to encourage improvements that promote transparency, accountability and public confidence in Zambia's immigration administration, noting that a predictable and reliable immigration system is important for investment, employment and the country's business environment.