Meheba refugees face new gate pass rules
Camp officials announced gate passes will now take one week to issue and last three months.
The new head of Meheba refugee camp in Zambia met with residents on November 4, 2026, to address security concerns. Issues discussed included difficulties obtaining exit permits, known as gate passes, stray animals, and a rise in banditry. Measures were announced to improve safety and community relations within the camp.
Refugees reported that delays in receiving gate passes hinder their movement, leading to arrests for lacking identity documents. The camp head committed to issuing gate passes within one week, extending their validity from one month to three months. Concerns were also raised about stray pigs destroying crops and dogs posing a biting risk, with owners given two weeks to regularize their animals or face potential culling.
The administration also addressed unauthorized construction and a reported increase in banditry. Residents were reminded to seek permission before building and to report suspicious individuals. The goal is to enhance security through better collaboration between residents and camp administration.
Why it mattersBurundian refugees in Zambia are directly affected by new administrative procedures for exit permits and security measures in their camp.