Government has assured Malawians that government is taking decisive steps to resolve persistent passport issuance challenges and root out corruption within the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services.
Speaking during a press briefing held at ministry of homeland security offices at Capital Hill in Lilongwe on Thursday, Ministry of Homeland Security Peter Mukhito said delays in passport production stem from a contract signed in February 2025 between the Government of Malawi and Madras Security Printers of India for the supply of passport booklets and installation of a modern passport printing system.
Under the agreement according to Mukhito, government was required to pay 60 percent of the contract value upfront, but only 9 million US dollars had been paid against a required 17.9 million dollars by the time the current administration assumed office.
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“By the time the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration assumed office, only $9 million had been paid against a required upfront payment of $17.9 million. This payment balance is the main reason that disrupted implementation of the system and contributed to the delays that many citizens have experienced to date,” Mukhito said.
He said government has since re-engaged the contractor, resulting in the delivery of 10,000 passport booklets in the first week of January 2026, adding that three heavy-duty passport printing machines destined for Mzuzu, Mangochi and Blantyre are currently in transit and expected to arrive next week.
Despite foreign exchange challenges, Mukhito said passport issuance has been prioritized as an essential public service, and further efforts are underway to secure additional booklets to clear the backlog.
“Three heavy-duty passport printing machines destined for Mzuzu, Mangochi, and Blantyre are currently in transit and are expected to arrive in the country next week. My ministry is also actively working to secure additional passport booklets in order to clear the existing backlog. Despite the foreign exchange constraints, the Government of Malawi has prioritized passport issuers as an essential public service,” said Mukhito.
The minister also addressed concerns over corruption and malpractice at immigration offices, confirming that officers are under investigation following the discovery of illegal solicitation of money for passport and visa services at the Lilongwe Immigration Office.
He said the Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Malawi Police Service are jointly investigating the matter, warning that officers found culpable will face legal action.
Mukhito further revealed that investigations are underway into possible collusion between some immigration officers and human trafficking syndicates, describing human trafficking as a grave violation of human rights and a serious threat to national security.
“Investigations are underway into credible reports of possible collusion between some officers and human trafficking syndicates. Human trafficking is a serious crime and a grave violation of human rights. It exposes men, women, and children to exploitation, forced labor, sexual abuse, and other inhuman and degrading treatment,” added Mukhito.
Turning to road safety, the minister said government has engaged the Kabaza Association and other stakeholders following a rise in motorcycle-related accidents. He said a joint task team has been established to enforce compliance with traffic laws, improve rider training and promote the use of protective gear.
He also called on the public to refuse paying bribes, report misconduct and suspicious recruitment activities, and remain patient as government implements reforms aimed at restoring integrity and improving service delivery.
