Govt faces criticism over passport issuance deal extension

By Chisomo Phiri

The Concerned Citizens of Malawi movement led by Edward Kambanje has written to the Office of the President and Cabinet(OPC), expressing its disapproval of the government’s decision to extend the passport issuance deal with E-Technologies.

The government announced a three-month extension following the expiration of the original six-month contract.

Concerned Citizens of Malawi

However, in a statement, the movement argues that the decision reflects “elusive and selfish leadership” demonstrated by those entrusted with responsibility.

“Our previous correspondence to your administration highlighted significant issues with the current passport deal.

“We raised concerns about transparency, the exorbitant costs associated with the service, and the overall inefficiency that has plagued the process under the current provider,” reads part of the statement.

The movement claims that the extension was made without consulting relevant stakeholders for a possible solution to the challenges facing passport printing and issuance.

Meanwhile, the movement has demanded that the government rescind its decision.

The government has not yet commented on the issue.