The National Migration Service (Senami) has not authorized the issuance of visas to 28 foreigners, who have been retained in Tete province, due to irregularities in the provision of statements on why they are coming to Mozambique.

According to Amélia Direito, spokesperson for the Senami in Tete, false statements given at the provincial airport "to obtain visas" are in question.

The group consists of 20 US citizens, six Ukrainians and two Russians, including four minors.

The authorities issued 14 tourist visas on arrival, but it later turned out that the information regarding the place of stay was wrong. It turns out that the hotel indicated in the document is out of business, according to the spokeswoman.

The source also noted that this group was conducting "religious activities" in Cateme district. It was indicated by one of the group members that this was the usual procedure in other visits made previously in which the purpose is to support local communities in the province.

The 28 people, according to Senami, are lodged in Tete awaiting the return trip to their places of origin, which is expected to take place starting Monday.