Immigration Dept probes city businessman

with counterfeit residence permits.
The department says Emmanuel Pasipanodya has been operating a company called Empal Immigration Consultancy for several years.
Principal Immigration Officer, Mrs Patricia Mafodya, confirmed that they were investigating Pasipanodya.
“Cases handled by the department have unearthed his modus operandi. He targets would-be and former residents of Zimbabwe, particularly of European and Asian origin, where the latter may have lost their domicile in Zimbabwe and would be requiring a resumption of such status having decided to return and remain in Zimbabwe permanently,” she said.
Mrs Mafodya said such cases of returnees were now common.
She said these people were being charged amounts ranging between US$1 500 and US$2 000.
“Those who have fallen prey to his tricks reveal that he parades his purported connection with the department. He guarantees to them that he will process permits, re-entry visa endorsements, permanent residence acquisition and visitor’s entry certificate extensions,” she said.
Mrs Mafodya said Pasipanodya was prosecuted recently after defrauding an Italian, Jason David Massian of US$2 000 for a permanent residence permit and re-entry visa endorsements. She said Pasipanodya was set to appear in court facing another criminal charge for defrauding another foreigner of US$2 000 on a similar charge.
“Two other cases recently surfaced involving British nationals, which are currently under investigation and will soon be brought before the courts,” she said.
She said resumption of residence is lost when an alien voluntarily departs the country with the intention of residing in another country for a period of five years. Mrs Mafodya said a US$500 fee with no incidental cost was charged for this type of application.
“Where the application is successful, residency is resumed and passport endorsed with a permanent residence stamp.
“Where the nationality of applicant ordinarily requires a visa on entry, a re-entry visa endorsement is made adjacent to the permanent residence endorsement, with a 12-month validity. On expiry of the 12 months, the re-entry visa is renewed free of charge,” she said.
Mrs Mafodya urged foreigners to be wary of such individuals. She said those who once encountered Pasipanodya on such issues should approach the department for verification.
She said all immigration services should only be made at any of their offices countrywide.
“The department has no links whatsoever with any agent and or consultancy service entity.
“All consultations and incidental enquiries are done free of charge,” Mrs Mafodya said.