By Jones Gadama
The Ministry of Homeland and Security has issued a stern warning to immigration officers who demand bribes from Malawians in the name of passport collection fees.
In a statement signed by Principal Secretary Steven Kayuni on Monday, the ministry vowed to take drastic action against officers found guilty of corruption.
The warning comes after this publication exposed corrupt officers at the immigration department who demand K200,000 from clients as a passport collection fee.
Kayuni condemned the practice, saying it tarnishes the good image of the immigration department.
“All those involved will be arrested and fired once the department is done with its investigation,” Kayuni warned. “We have taken the matter seriously, and we will not tolerate any form of corruption within the immigration department,” he added.
The development is not the first time corruption allegations have rocked the immigration department.
In July 2024, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) arrested eight immigration officers and two civilians over alleged corrupt practices related to the issuance of passports.
The ACB investigation revealed that individuals were paying an additional K200,000 on top of the official K50,000 passport fee to expedite the issuance process.
The arrests were a significant crackdown on corruption within Malawi’s immigration system.
In a separate incident, six immigration officers and two civilians were arrested over alleged corrupt practices in the issuance of passports at the Lilongwe office of the Immigration Department.
The Ministry of Homeland and Security’s warning is a clear indication that the government is committed to rooting out corruption within the immigration department.
As the investigation continues, immigration officers found guilty of corruption will face the full force of the law.
The development has been welcomed by many who have been affected by corruption within the immigration department.
“This is a step in the right direction,” said one individual who wished to remain anonymous. He added,
“Corruption has been a major obstacle for many of us who need immigration services. We hope that the government will follow through on its promise to root out corruption.”
As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen how many immigration officers will be implicated in the corruption scandal.
One thing is certain, however: the government’s commitment to fighting corruption within the immigration department is a positive development for Malawians who have been affected by corruption.
