Immigration clarifies reported suspension of passport applications

Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services has clarified on the suspension of passport applications as announced by the Malawi High Commission in London in a statement released on Monday, August 11, 2025.

The statement said the suspension is meant to allow transition as the Department of Immigration switches to new E-Passport System, a platform designed to enable digital processing and payment for passport applications.

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The release which said the processing of passport applications has been suspended until the installation and full implementation of the system is complete, drew diverse reactions from the public through the social media.

The announcement has raised questions about when the new E-Passport System will be fully operational.

However, Spokesperson for the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services,  Pasqually Zulu told Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Tuesday, that the existing passport application process remains unchanged both within Malawi and at Malawian Missions abroad, including the London High Commission.

“People should continue to apply for passports as usual,” Zulu said. “While there have been delays in printing passports, there is no suspension of applications at this time. The new system is still being prepared and when it is ready to be launched, we will officially notify the public.”

Zulu indicated that until the system is installed and fully functional, passport applications will continue to be processed through the current procedures.

This clarification aims to reassure Malawians amid concerns over prolonged waiting times, as many citizens both at home and overseas face difficulties renewing their travel documents.

Authorities have promised to provide timely updates on the progress of the E-Passport rollout to ensure transparency and public awareness, according to Zulu.