The Zambian Civil Liberties Union has condemned the recent actions by the department of immigration to disregard the high court orders in a case involving the deportation of 3 Chinese and Korean business investors.
Organization Executive Director Isaac Mwanza says the contemptuous action by the immigration department undermines the rule of law, and raises serious concerns about Zambia’s commitment to protecting investors’ rights and the rights of all persons living in Zambia.
On December 31st 2023, the department of immigration deported the 3 investors and nationals namely, Han Ho Bae, Pan Peng and Jia Yugi, ignoring a high court order.
On 27th January, 2024, the immigration department again demonstrated contempt for the high court by denying entry and forcibly removing the individuals from Zambia, contravening a second ruling from the Lusaka high court judge dated 26th January, 2024.
The High Court had ordered the issuance of temporary permits to the individuals for the purpose of attending a judicial review against the decision by the Director General of immigration to deport them.
Mr. Mwanza has told Phoenix News that this decision by the immigration department is worrying and an indication of the department’s disregard for legal processes which contradicts President Hakainde Hichilema’s call to respect the rule of law.
PHOENIX NEWS