Tightened Visa Verification Process Disrupts Cartels, Says Immigration Directorate

The Directorate of Immigration has introduced stricter visa verification procedures under a multi-agency framework in an effort to boost efficiency, transparency, and accountability in service delivery.

According to the Directorate, the new system has made it increasingly difficult for visa cartels and rogue officials to manipulate the application process.

The department says the reforms have disrupted networks that previously exploited loopholes within the immigration system.

In a statement released this week, the Directorate noted that some individuals linked to the cartels have turned to social media platforms to discredit the department, spreading false reports and accusations of inefficiency.

“The Directorate of Immigration has put in place strict verification procedures with a multi-agency framework to ensure efficiency in service delivery. Cartels working with some rogue officers have found it difficult to manipulate the system,” the statement read in part.

As part of ongoing reforms, several immigration officers have been transferred from the department’s headquarters to various decentralized offices across the country. The Directorate said the transfers are routine and aimed at improving public service delivery to Mwananchi (the ordinary citizen).

“Transfers are common and deliberate in all public offices,” the Directorate emphasized, adding that the reshuffles are intended to strengthen accountability and streamline operations.

The Directorate reaffirmed its commitment to providing efficient and transparent services, assuring the public that it will continue to uphold integrity and professionalism in all its operations.

Those disrupted in the business have been sending anonymous emails accusing top officials at the department of graft.

But insiders have denied the claims and termed them reactionary by the disrupted cartels.

The group’s petition, dated October 25, 2025, calls for an urgent, joint investigation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), and the National Intelligence Service (NIS).

Immigration officials have welcomed any form of probe into their activities.