Government Deports Egyptians Engaged in Street Vending
In a significant move last month, Fredrick Kologeto, Caretaker Minister for Commerce, Industries, Labour, and Immigration, ordered the deportation of eight Egyptian nationals under Section 31(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 2012. The order, issued on the 14th day of December 2023, marked a decisive action just before the dissolution of parliament.
The individuals in the deportation order are Alaa Mohamed Moustafa Ibrahim, Sameh Gouda Eliwa Mohammed Gendi, Yousseff Essam Abdelmoneim, Eslam Mohamed Magdy Arafa, Tamer Gouda Eliwa Mohamed Gendy, Galal Aly Aly Moustafa Sakr, Ahmed Mohamed Mahmoud Gad Ghonim, Badr Magdy, and Ibrahim Gharib. The deportation order cites their status as unlawful non-citizens under Section 28 of the Immigration Act and the fact that they were given a reasonable opportunity to voluntarily depart Solomon Islands.
Since the issuance of the order, seven out of the eight foreign nationals have left the country, complying with the directive. However, one individual has chosen to challenge the deportation order in court, leading to an ongoing legal dispute.
According to Director of Immigration, Chris Akosawa, the Egyptians came under the scrutiny of Immigration Officers while engaging in street vending activities in Honiara. Akosawa stated that their visas explicitly prohibited them from participating in money-making schemes while in the capital, leading to a violation of immigration laws through their involvement in hawking businesses.
“It has become increasingly common to observe foreign nationals attempting to migrate from their home countries, making it imperative for Solomon Islanders to remain vigilant in safeguarding their interests from such individuals,” commented Director Akosawa. He urged all Solomon Islanders to play an active role in ensuring the protection of their country from potential threats posed by those seeking unauthorized economic activities.
