Zambia new immigration headquarters completion after 15 years of construction
The building that stood the trial terms of three Zambian presidents has been completed after 15 years of construction on Alick Nkhata Road in Lusaka.
The developments come after the Director General of Immigration, Dr. Japhet Lishomwa conducted an inspection of the Department’s New Immigration Headquarters as preparations for its official commissioning enter the final phase.
During the tour, Dr. Lishomwa inspected key operational areas of the six-storey facility and expressed satisfaction with the quality of the completed works.
He commended the technical team and all stakeholders whose dedication ensured the successful completion of the long-awaited project.
The Director General observed that the construction of the new headquarters has been a long journey.
The project was conceived in 2010 by President Bwezani Banda, and the project was not completed during his term .
After the General elections in 2011, the project continued under President Michael Sata.
According to the government, the construction stalled in 2014.
The state says the construction became worse during the late President Edgar Lungu until December 2024.
The work resumed in 2025, during the current President Hakainde Hichilema, who will officially launch, the completion of the modern facility that now stands ready to serve the nation.
Dr. Lishomwa described the new headquarters as a major milestone in the Department’s transformation agenda, noting that the move from the old premises to the purpose-built facility will provide a safer, more conducive working environment for officers while significantly improving convenience, comfort and efficiency for members of the public seeking immigration services.
He further emphasised that the expanded office accommodation, improved parking facilities, modern customer service areas, conference facilities and state-of-the-art amenities will enhance operational efficiency, reduce congestion and strengthen transparency and accountability in the delivery of immigration services.
The Director General reiterated that the Department remains committed to providing efficient, professional and customer-focused services in line with its core values.
He expressed confidence that the new headquarters will empower officers to fulfill their mandate of securing Zambia’s borders while facilitating legitimate movement of persons.
The official commissioning of the New Immigration Headquarters will take place soon, marking a historic chapter in the modernisation of the Department of Immigration and reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening public service delivery through modern infrastructure.
