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Following up on my previous post, with joy and extreme
relief in my heart I can announce that both the immigration and the University
of Zambia issue are now officially solved.
First, about the visa extension. (Disclaimer: It's not as serious as the title suggests)
I have paid the last visit to the Immigration Department the
Thursday before I left for Mpika. After waiting for some time for the Accounts
manager, I was finally given my temporary employment permit- a green,
passport-sized book with a stamp granting me business engagement longer than I
originally asked for- until late September. But before the officer handed it to
me, she said that the boss wanted to talk to me. I was a bit surprised but
thought that she might just have some additional questions since I showed up at
the Department some five times.
Questions she had!
She told me that the officers have filed a report that I’ve
been rude to them. She also accused me of calling one of them “rubbish”. I
gasped for air and couldn’t believe my ears. Instead of them apologizing me for
the incompetent treatment of applicants (I wasn’t the only immigrant being
spoken to arrogantly during my visits), I
was supposed to apologize for something I hadn’t even done. As calmly as I
could, I told her that I didn’t cuss anyone out since,
1) I don’t use the word rubbish even on a regular basis
(it’s British English),
2) I find cussing cowardly since one can’t express his/her
opinion about a person in an intelligent way.
I also explained that I didn’t come to her country to offend
people, especially not government officials, and it didn’t even make sense for
me to be rude since I wanted my application to be processed fast and without
any controversies.
But since she gave me the opportunity to speak out, I told
her my view on the officers’ arrogant attitude, and how I felt they mistreated
other applicants as well (I witnessed that each time I was waiting there for
someone to attend to me).
That is the fateful door. 32.
I try to understand why in fact I was called into the boss’
office. Looking back, I don’t think I have said or done anything that could
offend an officer who is well equipped to assist and answer applicants’
questions and concerns. Maybe I asked too much, or maybe just the mere fact
that I asked bothered them. Maybe they thought that by calling this young and
apparently inexperienced foreigner to the Director’s office they would teach me
a lesson or two about being (overly) inquisitive. I can say I have learned my
lesson. I will keep on being nosy. Respectful, but nosy nevertheless. I
followed all lawful procedures and paid them $300 in fees (which I still can’t
get over- I don’t get paid, I’m a student, and the NGO I am affiliated with is
non-profit and not really lush with cash; where am I supposed to find the
money?). So I see it appropriate and my right to ask questions and have them
answered politely (just tell me if you don’t know).
I was leaving the Pensions House for the last time that day
(I pray and believe so!), feeling a bittersweet sense of victory. After a 2
month-long hunt I got my papers and am no longer an illegal immigrant. At the
same time, I felt humiliated and offended by literally the whole Department
turning on me. But I can conclude that it was a good experience. Next time I
will brace myself better. And ask more.
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