By Burnett Munthali
In response to recent corruption concerns, immigration officials in Lilongwe have reassured passport seekers that efforts are underway to ensure a smooth and efficient processing system. This reassurance comes in the wake of recent arrests by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) involving middlemen who were accused of defrauding service seekers.
Hillary Chilomba, Acting Director General of the ACB, confirmed that the bureau has made significant progress in addressing corrupt practices related to passport issuance. The crackdown on these middlemen highlights ongoing efforts to restore integrity within the immigration system.
Superintendent Alexander Maseko, the Regional Immigration Officer for the Central Region, addressed the public, emphasizing that the department is now prioritizing the processing of passport applications dating back to 2021. Maseko acknowledged the previous delays, particularly concerning express passports, which are supposed to be processed within 48 hours.
To further address the situation, Maseko urged individuals who have encountered issues with corrupt practices, including those who have illegally paid officers to expedite their processing, to report these incidents to the authorities. This call for transparency is part of the department’s broader strategy to enhance service delivery and rebuild public trust.
The immigration department’s commitment to improving its services comes as a crucial step in rectifying past inefficiencies and ensuring that all passport seekers receive timely and fair assistance.
