The Democratic Republic of Congo has expelled 100 foreign nationals, including 40 Indians, 17 Lebanese, and 43 West Africans, for allegedly being unable to justify their stay in the country despite holding valid visas. The General Directorate of Migration (DGM) announced the expulsion, stating that the individuals had failed to provide a clear reason for their presence in the country. The DGM said it will continue to monitor the conditions under which foreigners enter and reside in the country.
The expulsion raises questions about the criteria used to determine who can stay and who must leave. In 2021, the DGM expelled foreigners who failed to show sufficient and honest means of subsistence, including proof of individual residence, bank statements, and domiciliation of earnings in a local bank. However, the current announcement does not specify what evidence the expelled individuals were required to provide or what constitutes a valid reason for staying in the country.
The DRC's actions have sparked concerns about the treatment of foreign nationals and the potential for arbitrary expulsions. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which the DRC is a party, allows for expulsion only under a decision reached in accordance with the law, and individuals must be given the opportunity to submit reasons against it and have their case reviewed. The African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights also prohibits mass expulsion, which is defined as expulsion aimed at national, racial, ethnic, or religious groups.
The DGM's announcement has also raised questions about the agency's role in issuing visas and work cards. The agency earns revenue from establishing and work visas, which depend on foreign work cards issued by the labor ministry. This has created a potential conflict of interest, as the agency is both responsible for admitting and expelling foreigners. Critics argue that this can lead to arbitrary decisions and corruption.
The DRC's immigration policies have been inconsistent, with the government appearing to prioritize control over certain groups while allowing others to enter and stay. In April 2026, Kinshasa agreed to host migrants deported from the United States, with the first 15 Latin American deportees arriving in April. However, the government has taken a harder stance on foreign traders and nationals who have been living and working in the country for years.
The expulsion of foreign nationals has also sparked concerns about the impact on the economy and regional relations. The DRC is not alone in its efforts to control migration, with other countries in the region, such as Kenya and Zambia, also taking steps to regulate the presence of foreign nationals. However, the DRC's actions have been criticized for lacking transparency and due process.
The DRC's actions have also raised questions about the country's sovereignty and its ability to manage its borders. While the government has asserted its right to control who enters and stays in the country, critics argue that it has failed to provide a clear and transparent justification for its actions. The government must provide more information about the grounds for the expulsions, the dates, and the appeal rights of the affected individuals.
Key points
- The DRC expelled 100 foreign nationals with valid visas, citing an inability to justify their stay.
- The expulsion raises concerns about arbitrary expulsions and the treatment of foreign nationals.
- The DRC's immigration policies have been inconsistent, with a harder stance on certain groups while allowing others to enter and stay.
