Direction Générale de Migration
The Direction Générale de Migration (DGM), also known as the Direction General of Migration, is an agency under the Ministry of the Interior and Security of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is tasked with handling migration and immigration-related affairs, including matters like visas, permits, and border control, to regulate and manage the movement of people in and out of the country. The DGM'S headquarters is situated in Gombe, Kinshasa.[1][2][3][4]
![](../I/Direction_Generale_de_Migration%252C_Gombe%252C_Kinshasa.jpg.webp)
History
The DGM was established on May 27, 1997, by Laurent-Désiré Kabila, just ten days after the overthrow of Mobutu Sese Seko from power by the AFDL (Alliance des Forces Démocratiques pour la Libération du Congo-Zaïre).[5][6][7] The agency's purpose and organizational structure were formalized through Constitutional Order No. 002/2003.[1][8] The DGM replaced the former Agence Nationale d'Immigration (ANI), which had operated during the Mobutu regime.[5]
Since its inception, the DGM has operated with four divisions, including the Border and Foreign Policy Division, collectively referred to as "DPEF."[1][8] However, a notable restructuring took place on January 24, 2003, as noted in No. 06/DP/00/DGM/BC/044/2003, which resulted in two separate entities: The Aliens Police Division (Division de la Police des Étrangers; DPE) and the Border Police Division (Division de la Police des Frontières; DPF).[1][8]
The specific responsibilities of the DPE are pending clarification.[8] These responsibilities are expected to be defined through the implementation measures associated with Decree-Law No. 002/2003 of January 11, 2003, which pertains to the establishment and organization of the DGM.[1][8]
Administrative status
The DGM is governed by Law No. 81-003 of July 17, 1981, which outlines the regulations pertaining to career staff within state public services. However, due to the unique nature of the services provided by the DGM and its distinct mission, the President of the Republic holds the authority to issue administrative regulations through a decree. These administrative regulations are designed to address specific aspects, including social benefits, disciplinary procedures, mechanisms for appeal, conditions for retirement eligibility, and associated advantages for the staff of the DGM.[1] This approach recognizes the need for tailored guidelines that account for the specialized role and responsibilities of the agency, ensuring that its employees receive appropriate support and oversight.[1] Parenthetically, the administrative reforms encompass the repeal and final provisions of prior ordinances, such as Ordinance No. 87-003 of January 07, 1987, and Ordinance No. 87-054 of February 9, 1987, which outlined the organization and functioning of the ANI. These ordinances, along with any earlier provisions conflicting with the newly enacted decree-law, are also invalidated.[1][8]
Organization
The DGM is made up of various organizational components:[1]
Provincial direction
The Provincial Directorates are established in the capitals of each Province. They assume responsibilities within their respective jurisdictions that are not delegated to the central directorates. This decentralized approach facilitates efficient administration and decision-making at the provincial level.[1][8]
Foreign police division
The Foreign Police Division is responsible for overseeing the presence and activities of foreign nationals within the national territories. It manages matters related to the stay of foreigners, ensuring compliance with regulations and requirements.[1][8]
Border police division
The Border Police Division is tasked with regulating the movement of foreigners entering and exiting Congolese territory, this division plays a crucial role in maintaining border security and controlling the flow of individuals across national borders.[8][1]
Finance division
![](../I/DGM%252C_Gombe%252C_Kinshasa.jpg.webp)
The Finance Division handles financial matters and is responsible for maintaining accurate accounting records. The division comprises an accountant, a cashier, and an auditor, collectively managing financial transactions and ensuring transparency in financial operations.[1][8]
See also
References
- "Décret-Loi no. 002/2003 du 11 janvier 2003 portant création et organisation de la Direction Générale de Migration" [Decree-Law no. 002/2003 of January 11, 2003 establishing and organizing the General Directorate of Migration] (PDF). droitcongolais.info (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. January 11, 2003. pp. 1–5. Retrieved 2023-08-11.
- "Direction Générale de Migration (DGM)". evisa.gouv.cd (in French). Gombe, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 2023-08-11.
- "Les conditions de séjour et/ou de résidence de l'étranger en RDC". www.fec-rdc.com (in French). Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2019. Retrieved 2023-08-11.
- "RDC: la DGM interdit l'entrée des passagers en provenance d'Inde et du Brésil". Radio Okapi (in French). 2021-05-11. Retrieved 2023-08-11.
- Omanyundu, Jean-Jacques Wondo (2018-12-20). "L'ANR, un État dans l'Etat : la police politique au service de Joseph Kabila – JJ Wondo". Desk Africain d'Analyses Stratégiques (in French). Retrieved 2023-08-11.
- Yambuya, Pierre (April 2003). "Le développement de la RDC par la Direction Générale de Migration" (PDF). lib.utexas.edu (in French). Retrieved 2023-08-11.
- Refugees, United Nations High Commissioner for (April 2, 2002). "Refworld | République démocratique du Congo (RDC) : Direction générale de migration (DGM), y compris le nom de son directeur général, la date de sa formation, sa réorganisation éventuelle au cours des dernières années; copies du décret no 23/2001 du 10 avril 2001 portant nomination du directeur général de la DGM et de la décision no 0080/DG/LMN/01/2001 portant réduction de l'effectif du personnel ainsi que la liste des agents qui ont été retenus; information indiquant si la DGM a été impliquée dans des violations des droits de la personne". Refworld (in French). Retrieved 2023-08-11.
- Mavungu, Tresor (2014). "Mise en place d'un systeme d'information pour la gestion des expatriés du bas Congo" (in French). Matadi, Kongo Central Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo: Institut Supérieur de Commerce de Matadi. Retrieved 2023-08-11.