Suspension of Intercountry Adoption in Zambia

January 2008

The Ministry of Social Welfare of the Government of the Republic of Zambia suspended the adoption of Zambian children by foreigners effective 22 December 2007. The suspension applies to all adoptions in process unless a final court order has been issued. Even with the issuance of a final court order, adoptive parents will likely encounter difficulties in getting the adoption registered and paperwork in the child’s new name issued. The Government of Zambia has yet to issue an official announcement regarding the cause for this suspension or how long it will last.

The U.S. Embassy in Lusaka remains in contact with the Ministry of Social Welfare and is seeking further details regarding the basis for the suspension and the Government of Zambia’s plans for adoption cases of American families that were in process at the time of the suspension.

The U.S. Embassy will continue to monitor the situation and will provide further information as it becomes available.

Publication date: 2008 Jan

Countries: Zambia

Organizations: US State Department