Harry Kalaba, the leader of Citizens First, has urged President Hichilema and his administration to reconsider their rapid expansion of visa-free entry for numerous countries. Kalaba, a former Minister of Foreign Affairs and an experienced lawmaker, cautioned that Zambia should carefully evaluate economic and security implications before granting visa exemptions indiscriminately.
He pointed out that some individuals from countries recently awarded visa waivers may have troubling histories related to crime or mental health issues that they are trying to evade. “It’s essential to develop the capacity to prevent such individuals from entering our peaceful nation,” Kalaba stated. His comments come in response to the government’s decision to allow nationals from 53 additional countries to enter Zambia without prior visa requirements or security checks, bringing the total to 167 countries.
Kalaba questioned the benefits these individuals might bring to Zambia compared to potential security threats. He noted that, among the 167 countries, there is no assurance that Zambia receives equal visa-free access to destinations like Comoros Island, Laos, or Brunei. He argued that it’s premature for the Hichilema administration to grant these new visa exemptions without assessing the economic benefits, if any, gained from the initial 100 countries previously granted the same status.
He further stated that President Hichilema should first demonstrate the advantages gained so far from the visa-free agreements before expanding the list. Kalaba emphasized the importance of prioritizing ‘reciprocity’ in visa policies and suggested that Zambia should focus on maximizing its existing engagements within SADC, COMESA, and the African Union before broadening its visa policies to countries with which it has little or no economic connection.
Kalaba expressed skepticism regarding the government’s claims that this move would enhance Zambia’s tourism potential, particularly in the absence of compelling statistical support from Home Affairs Minister Jack Mwiimbu
