Malawi apologises for passport delays
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Malawi24
The Malawian government apologised for passport delays disrupting employment, education, medical care and travel. Homeland Security Minister Peter Mukhito blamed the crisis on foreign-currency shortages and weaknesses in the contract with Madras Security Printers, according to Malawi24.
The Malawian government apologised on Wednesday 28 October to people affected by passport delays and announced urgent measures to increase production, according to Homeland Security Minister Peter Mukhito. The shortage is disrupting plans related to employment, education, medical treatment, business and family obligations.
Peter Mukhito attributed the shortages to a lack of foreign currency and weaknesses in the contract concluded with Madras Security Printers, which provides for the supply of 100,000 passport booklets a year for five years. The government is reviewing the agreement, discussing overdue payments with the supplier and seeking to increase production, he said.
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services will prioritise pending applications and review verified urgent cases, particularly for medical treatment and education. The announcements came after clashes at immigration offices in Lilongwe, during which an officer was injured and property was damaged, Malawi24 reports.
The government had already promised to clear passport delays after clashes on 28 October, after clashes broke out in Lilongwe the same day. The minister urged applicants to voice their grievances through legal channels and condemned the use of violence.
