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Mercy Phiri

@mercyphiri

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I implement immigration policy, lead compliance investigations, and strengthen migration governance across Zambia.

Zambia

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What I'm looking for

I'm seeking opportunities to contribute practitioner insight to migration policy research and governance discussions, particularly around immigration enforcement, migrant protection, anti-trafficking, corporate compliance, and policy implementation in resource-constrained settings.

At Zambia's Department of Immigration, I lead compliance and enforcement work as Deputy Risk Management and Compliance Officer, supervising 36 officers and investigating permit violations, prohibited migrants, and corporate immigration compliance.

I've managed immigration operations at Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport and prosecuted immigration offences across Northern Province. My work connects lawful entry and exit procedures, migrant screening, deportation, border management, and anti-human trafficking enforcement.

With an LL.M. in Public International Law, I bring a practitioner perspective on translating immigration legislation into operational decisions. I'm especially interested in migration policy research, migrant protection, mixed migration, and governance in Zambia, Southern Africa, and the Global South.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Deputy Risk Management and Compliance Officer

Current

Department of Immigration, Zambia

Jan 2024 - Present (2 years 8 months)

Supervise 36 immigration officers, conduct inspections, investigate breaches of immigration law, and coordinate enforcement operations. Evaluate cases and make recommendations on permit revocation and deportation under the Immigration and Deportation Act.

Immigration Enforcement Compliance Monitoring Risk Management Investigation Team Supervision Legal Research Report Writing

Deputy Officer in Charge

Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport, Department of I

Jan 2019 - Dec 2024 (5 years 11 months)

Supervised immigration operations at a major international airport, regulating lawful entry and exit of travelers. Managed staff performance and workflow in a high-volume environment.

Cross Border Management Immigration Staff Management Compliance Screening

Accounts and Procurement Officer

Kasama Immigration Regional Office, Department of Immigratio

Jan 2013 - Dec 2019 (6 years 11 months)

Monitored provincial immigration revenue and supported financial accountability. Assisted with budget planning, expenditure management, and procurement of departmental goods and services.

Financial Management Budgeting Procurement Revenue Monitoring

Public Prosecutor

Kasama Immigration Regional Office, Department of Immigratio

Jan 2015 - Dec 2016 (1 year 11 months)

Gazetted as a Public Prosecutor to represent the state in cases involving prohibited immigrants. Prepared and presented immigration-related cases before the courts.

Public Prosecution Legal Research Case Management Evidence Assessment

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of Lusaka

Master of Laws, Public International Law

2014 - 2017

Master of Laws in Public International Law from the University of Lusaka, with a foundation in international legal frameworks and cross-border issues.