Mzuzu, April 1: Government has finally unveiled a passport printing machine in Northern Region, a long awaited development which is expected to further reduce congestion and probably corruption that have been rocking the Immigration Department.
All along, passports have been printed in Blantyre and Lilongwe, causing unceasing congestion at immigration offices in the three regions.
The situation also used to be good catalyst for corrupt practices among immigration officers, passport applicants and self- placed middle persons.
Speaking to journalists in Mzuzu after a colourful event marking the launch of passport printing in the region on Tuesday, Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Paul Chibingu, said passport printing in the North is expected to ease congestion and enhance efficiency in the Immigration Department.
“This is one of the things that my ministry committed in the (Civil Service) Reform Program on 11th February this year (2015)-that shortly, we would launch the passport printing machine in the North, so this is what even the State President championed.
“Therefore, we are calling upon all officers to desist from corruption malpractices and that the ministry will take to task anybody involved,” warned Chibingu.
Northern Region has been the most vulnerable entry point for illegal immigrants who are mostly aided by Malawians themselves. The minister appealed to Malawians to be patriotic enough by not aiding illegal immigrants to enter the country.
In his remarks, the Chief Immigration Officer, Masauko Medi, echoed the minister’s sentiments, saying passport printing in the North will drastically reduce congestion in Lilongwe and Blantyre since the region (North) now has its own printing machine in Mzuzu.
“Decentralizing passport printing will enhance the curbing of corruption at the Immigration Department since we have eliminated the so called middle men who get away with people’s money through deceitful means,” said Medi.
Medi also cautioned fellow immigration officers against mingling with foreigners to issue passports illegally, saying doing so is like selling the sovereignty of this country as passports are a security pass.
In apparent excitement, Deputy Mayor for Mzuzu, Frazer Chunga, said the development has brought joy to the city and Northern Region as a whole.
“People have been relieved, things now will be easier and I commend government for the job well done,” said Chunga.
The government will also soon start issuing national identity cards which will also enhance the process involved in procuring a passport.
Meanwhile, the Immigration Department has selected Mzimba Boma to be the passport collection point since many who apply for a passport come from this area.
