Immigration Officials in the Northern have arrested 20 Ethiopian nationals on suspicion that they entered in the country illegally contrary to Section 21(1) of the Malawi Immigration Act on 9 April, 2024.

The arrested Ethiopians, all males were intercepted near Mwanda and Kakozi mountains situated at Hewe area in Rumphi district following Immigration Officials from the Regional Immigration Office in Mzuzu conducted a routine check around the said place.

Upon interrogated, some unknown people left the illegal immigrants and asked the migrants to hide in the mountains. Locals in the area became suspicious of foot prints which they suspected to be of a group of people, and Immigration Officers routine check around the said place led to the discovery of the 20 Ethiopians hence the arrests.

All the 20 suspects did not legalise their entry or stay in the country and were not in possession of passports, and Visas. Meanwhile, they are all in custody awaiting legal proceedings.