BLANTYRE (Maravipost)–Malawi President Peter Mutharika, in pursuit of the public service reform process, has ordered the Immigration Department to decentralise printing of Passports to regional offices.
Mutharika also ordered for immediate implementation and creation of the One-Stop-Centre for investment at Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (MITC).
According to a statement issued by the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC), this will ensure and improve business dealings in the country.
“MITC which is required to operate as one-stop-shop for investment will be strengthened by moving into new premises where there would be adequate space to accommodate all relevant key agencies under one roof to ensure better coordination and efficiency,” reads statement issued by OPC in part.
Government departments and ministries to be accommodated under MITC will include Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Malawi Revenue Authority, Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Department of Immigration, and Registrar of Companies.
Other reforms approved by Mutharika include amendment of official working hours for public officers and restructuring of the Department of Statutory Corporations.
The Immigration Department will now decentralize printing of passports to regional offices, meaning passports will now be printed in Blantyre, Mzuzu and Lilongwe.
“Official working hours for the Public Service have been amended so that officers work from 7.30 am to 4.30pm, with the provision of a one hour lunch break from 12.00 noon to 1.00 pm,” says OPC.
The reforms will also see parastatal bodies reporting to relevant line Ministries.
“The Department of Statutory Corporations will only perform oversight and administrative roles associated with Statutory Corporations.
“The Department of Statutory Corporations will subsequently be restructured so that it effectively fulfils its new role,” says OPC.
