Malawi promises to clear passport delays after clashes
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Nyasa Times
Malawi’s Homeland Security Minister Peter Mukhito has promised urgent measures to reduce passport issuance delays after clashes injured an officer in Lilongwe. The government plans to review the supply contract, increase production and prioritise urgent medical or humanitarian applications, according to the ministry.
The Malawian government has promised to take measures to clear passport issuance delays after clashes on Wednesday 28 October at an immigration office in Lilongwe. Homeland Security Minister Peter Mukhito apologised to those affected and announced a series of actions, according to a statement from his ministry.
The unrest injured an immigration officer and damaged property, the ministry said. The delays are preventing citizens from travelling for work, education, medical care or business. The ministry partly attributes the shortages to a contract with Madras Security Printers, which provides for the supply of 100,000 passport booklets a year for five years. A lack of foreign currency to make payments has also disrupted deliveries and fuelled the backlog of applications.
The measures announced include revising the contract, resolving payment and delivery problems with the supplier, increasing production capacity and processing delayed applications. The ministry also plans a procedure for urgent medical, educational or humanitarian travel: applicants will have to present supporting documents at immigration offices. Peter Mukhito called on users to voice their grievances through legal channels, saying violence would not resolve the difficulties.
The Lilongwe clashes are part of the passport crisis that had already led to clashes at immigration offices, reported on 28 October.
