Direction Générale de Migration

The Direction Générale de Migration (meaning General Directorate of Migration), abbreviated as DGM, 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.

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). The agency's purpose and organizational structure were formalized through Constitutional Order No. 002/2003. The DGM replaced the former Agence Nationale d'Immigration (ANI), which had operated during the Mobutu regime.

Since its inception, the DGM has operated with four divisions, including the Border and Foreign Policy Division, collectively referred to as "DPEF." 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).

The specific responsibilities of the DPE are pending clarification. 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.

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. 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.

Parenthetically, the administrative reforms encompass the repeal and final provisions of prior ordinances, such as Ordinance No. 87-003 of January 7, 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.

Organization
The DGM is made up of various organizational components:

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.

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.

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.

Finance division
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.

Human resources and training division
The Human Resources and Training Division is dedicated to the management of personnel and their training within the organization's new structures. It ensures that staff are effectively managed, trained, and aligned with the evolving needs of the agency.

Document and information study division
The Document and Information Study Division is tasked with analyzing and processing documents held by foreigners. It examines various documents and maintains related records, contributing to the organization's data management and documentation efforts.