Immigration authorities in Lilongwe have intensified permit and compliance inspections within Lilongwe and its surrounding areas.

The inspections follow several reports of increased number of foreign nationals taking up jobs and businesses that can be done by Malawian nationals.

According to Public Relations Officer for the Regional Immigration Office, Pasqually Zulu, during this ongoing operation, several foreign nationals have been detained pending further investigation, while some are now serving sentences.

This development serves as a warning to all foreign nationals that working or doing business without legal documents that once apprehended, the law will take its course, since doing so is a criminal offence under the Immigration act.

Zulu further appeals to the general public to be patriotic and report any suspected illegal immigrants.