PARLIAMENT yesterday heard that there are more than 20,000 expatriates working in the country.

Home Affairs Deputy Minister, Ngosa Simbyakula said the expatriates operated in areas where local skill was inadequate.

He said this in response to a question by Kamfinsa MP, Moses Chishimba (PF), who wanted to know how many expatriates were currently in the country as of March this year.

Dr Simbyakula said there was a technical committee that scrutinised the issuance of work permits, with representation from the Anti- Corruption Commission (ACC), Labour Department and Immigration Office, among others.

Home Affairs Minister, Kennedy Sakeni, assured the House that Government would not issue permits to foreigners in areas where Zambians were qualified.

Mr Sakeni said he was not aware of any expatriates contracted to work in fields where local skills were available.

Meanwhile, Commence, Trade and Industry Deputy Minister, Keith Mukata told the House that the Government was working towards the establishment industries in provinces.