Malawi Faces Passport Issuance Crisis as Minister Laments Challenges

Malawi's Minister of Homeland Security, Ken Zikhale Ng'oma, has expressed concerns over the challenges in restoring the country's passport issuance system. The government terminated a $60.8 million contract with Techno Brain in 2021 due to irregularities, leading to significant difficulties in printing and issuing passports.

Currently, there is a backlog of 35,000 passport applications, but the new machines acquired from a local supplier, E-Tech Systems, can only print a maximum of 500 passports per day. "The four machines can only print a maximum of 500 passports per day," Ng'oma stated during a surprise visit to the Immigration Department offices in Blantyre.

Why this matters: The passport issuance crisis has far-reaching consequences for Malawian citizens who require travel documents for various purposes, including business, education, and personal travel. The government's inability to efficiently process passport applications hinders the mobility and opportunities of its people.

The government had to engage E-Tech Systems as a temporary measure after parting ways with Techno Brain Limited. However, the award of the contract to E-Tech Systems has raised eyebrows, and Ng'oma emphasized that the arrangement is only temporary. The Immigration Department will soon advertise for a long-term supplier to address the crisis.

During his visit, Ng'oma discovered some officers absent from their workstations and held a meeting with senior officials to address the issues. Despite the challenges, the minister remains optimistic about resolving the problems and returning to normal passport issuance services for the Malawian people.

Ng'oma acknowledged the slow pace of passport printing and the frustrations faced by passport seekers. He mentioned that the government has over 250,000 passport booklets left by Techno Brain, which can last for a year. The minister's visit comes after a group of passport seekers petitioned the President to fire him and the Immigration chief for allegedly failing the nation in addressing the passport crisis.

Key Takeaways

• Malawi terminated $60.8M passport contract due to irregularities, leading to backlog.
• New machines can only print 500 passports per day, causing delays for citizens.
• Temporary supplier E-Tech Systems awarded contract, but long-term solution sought.
• Minister discovered absent officers and held meeting to address passport crisis.
• Over 250,000 passport booklets left by previous contractor, lasting a year.