In recent months, foreign international truck drivers operating in Zambia have raised serious concerns regarding immigration regulations that limit their ability to work effectively. Drivers from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Malawi, Mozambique, and other neighboring countries play a crucial role in transporting goods to and through Zambia. However, a restrictive immigration law has placed significant challenges on these essential workers.

Currently, the law permits foreign truck drivers to transit through Zambia for only 90 days within a 12-month period. Many drivers find that they exhaust this allocation within the first five to six months of the year, creating an unfair situation that jeopardizes their livelihoods. While the Zambian government allows for a transit permit at a cost of 12,000 Kwacha per year, this fee typically falls on the drivers themselves, rather than the truck owners or employers.

Unfortunately, many employers are unwilling to cover this expense, often opting instead to place drivers on forced leave for the remainder of the year. This has led to a troubling trend where employers prefer to hire Zambian drivers who do not face the same transit payment requirements, further marginalizing their foreign counterparts.

Moreover, Zambian international truck drivers have also expressed dissatisfaction with this law. They recognize that these regulations not only affect their foreign colleagues but also their employment within foreign companies. One Zambian driver articulated a compelling point: the government should consider completely removing this law. While there might be efforts to reduce the fees, he believes that eliminating the law altogether would be a more appropriate solution. Zambian drivers often travel to neighboring countries without encountering similar challenges; when their transit days are about to expire, they simply renew them at the border without any fees.

As a response to these challenges, Cross-Border Business Radio has engaged directly with affected drivers from various countries. We have compiled their testimonies into one of our programs, "Africa Immigration Mirror," which addresses critical issues surrounding the mobility of people and goods across the continent as we all strive to build the African economy.

In our outreach efforts, we are seeking dialogue with the Zambian Department of Immigration and regional organizations, including the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the African Union. Our aim is to facilitate a conversation that leads to more equitable transit regulations that allow foreign truck drivers to continue their vital work without the threat of job loss or financial burden.

We urge the Zambian government and regional institutions to reconsider these immigration policies. By fostering a more inclusive approach to transit regulations, we can enhance the mobility of goods and services across Africa, ultimately supporting economic growth and cooperation among nations.

Conclusion

The plight of foreign international truck drivers in Zambia is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. As they navigate the complexities of cross-border transport, it is essential that their voices are heard and their concerns addressed. We call upon the Zambian government and relevant regional bodies to work collaboratively towards a solution that benefits all stakeholders involved.

Ovine Nyalazi

Reporting for CBB Radio

Lusaka

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