Transit permit fees slashed for foreign transporters

The Department of Immigration has significantly reduced transit permit fees for foreign transporters, effective Monday 9 December 2024.

Under the new Statutory Instrument number 78 of 2024, first-time application and duplicate transit permits will now cost 4,500 kwacha, down from 12,000 kwacha previously. Renewal fees have also been cut to 5,625 kwacha from 15,000 kwacha.

Department of Immigration Director General Japhet Lishomwa explained that the fee reduction resulted from extensive stakeholder consultations involving local and international state and non-state actors. The move aims to address concerns raised by foreign truck drivers about the previously high permit fees.

"The high increase in fees had sparked complaints from some truck drivers," said Lishomwa. "This adjustment reflects our commitment to facilitating smoother cross-border transportation."

The new pricing structure is expected to provide relief for international transporters and potentially streamline cross-border logistics operations.