By HOPE BWALYA? –

THE Immigration Department last year collected more than K 180 million in revenue collection, department director-general Moola Milimo has said.
Mr Milimo said the Immigration Department collected K180, 890,997.40 exceeding the target that was set for the fiscal year.
He said the figure represented an increase of 60 per cent compared to 2013.?Mr Milimo said not only did the department raise revenue that exceeded the target but also made successes in its operational endeavours.
He said this during the Senior and Regional Immigration Officers’ Annual Conference in Lusaka yesterday.
“As of last year, the department managed to arrest 3,491 immigrants, prosecuted 1,528 and removed (deported) 4, 356 prohibited immigrants,” he said.
Mr Milimo said its efforts to offer better service delivery had been boosted by the upgrading of the Zambia immigration management system.
He said that had moved the department towards efficient and proper service delivery.?The department, he said, was currently taking part in a pilot project called the Kaza Visa, which would enhance tourists’ arrivals in the Kavango area.
He said the project, which had been running, was meant to run for six months and was being looked into by Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and Zambia, but currently, only Zambia and Zimbabwe were running the project to test its weaknesses and strengths.
Home Affairs Minister Davies Mwila commended the department for its effort in maintaining peace and order in the country.
“I am glad to note that in your efforts to contribute to the maintenance of internal security in the country, you made tremendous strides during the year 2014,” he said in a speech read on his behalf by the Permanent Secretary Chileshe Mulenga.