Thirty-one Chinese nationals detained in Zambia on suspicion of illegal mining activities have been released following talks between the Chinese embassy and Zambia's Ministry of Internal Affairs.
The 31 Chinese have arrived at Ndola Airport and have passed the security checks. Their flight is expected to depart at 3:30 p.m. local time (1330 GMT) on Tuesday.
According to Xinhua News Agency, Zambia's immigration department requested the Chinese nationals sign a deportation letter, a request they declined as they wished to leave the country normally.
It remains unclear whether immigration authorities have cancelled the expulsion letter, said the Overseas Chinese Association.
The 31 employees were working for seven Chinese mining companies and were detained last Thursday on suspicion of illegal mining.
