Africa-Press – Mozambique. The Mozambican Interior Minister, Amade Miquidade, on Friday warned staff of the National Immigration Service (SENAMI) against the transformation of the institution into a gateway to the country for terrorists and other criminals.
Addressing the activities to mark SENAMI’s 46th anniversary, in Maputo, Miquidade declared that the institution should not serve as an entrance for terrorists, and immigration control throughout the national borders as well as the inspection of foreigners were important for internal security.
The country, he stated, is faced with terror attacks especially in the northern province of Cabo Delgado. SENAMI must thus redouble its efforts and leave no room for illegal immigrants to enjoy comfort and peace within Mozambican territory.
“It is your duty to act bravely and with dignity, because you are public servants. When you deliver services to national citizens or to foreigners you must ensure swiftness and timely availability of the required documents,” he added.
Following the lifting of some restrictive measures against the Covid-19 pandemic, he urged SENAMI to reopen the entry points which had been closed.
“It is another challenge for us, because the increase in demand must be answered with renewed efforts but without undermining the Covid-19 prevention measures at the points of entry, as well as in places where travel documents are sought after,” he said, pointing out that such a move will reduce contamination and ensure a swift return to normality.
SENAMI director, Arsenia Massingue, said the theme of the 46th anniversary “Innovating to Serve Better” mirrors the vision of the public institution at the points of entry.
She reaffirmed that SENAMI has been strengthening inspections against foreign citizens staying illegally in the country. She said that SENAMI has recently arrested various middlemen involved in clandestine immigration schemes, some of whom have already been sentenced and are now serving jail terms.
SENAMI has dispatched staff members to 14 diplomatic and consular missions to issue travel documents, in a bid to ensure that Mozambicans living in the diaspora do not have to travel back home just to get a passport.
