Strengthening control of the immigration status of foreign nationals in Mozambique was named on Monday as one of the central priorities of the National Migration Service (Senami), which marked 50 years of existence. The institution’s director-general, Zainadine Danane, stressed that the country faces “immeasurable” challenges in this area, especially in managing the balance between free movement and border security.
“The challenges are immeasurable. First, we must guarantee the full free movement of people and goods at our borders. Then, in the atypical situation we are experiencing, we must guarantee the entry, stay and exit of citizens from the national territory”, Danane said on the sidelines of the commemorative ceremony in Maputo.
Among the main critical points identified is the irregular stay of foreign nationals in Mozambican territory. “There are people who enter the country, then stay beyond the authorised period, and that is that. I think this is one of the great challenges: inspection, permanent control of foreign nationals, but, mind you, control that respects a human approach, without compromising economic activity”, the official cautioned.
The Senami head reinforced the need for the country to have effective mechanisms that make it possible, “in real time, to know how many foreign nationals are in the country, where they are, what they are doing, what they came to do”, always in accordance with the entry rules in force.
Danane’s speech comes in a regional context marked by growing migratory movements and transnational concerns over security and economic development.
