By Jones Gadama
The Department of Immigration in the Eastern Region is facing an unprecedented influx of passport applications at its offices in Mangochi District. According to Edward Chidzalo, spokesperson for the Eastern Region Immigration Office, the surge is largely attributed to recent deportations from neighboring countries, particularly South Africa.
The department is currently assisting around 300 people daily, and Chidzalo expects this number to rise once the passport printing process resumes in the region.
“Our expectation is that when the passport printing process resumes here, the number of people who are assisted on a daily basis will increase from 300 assisted on a daily basis,” Chidzalo said.
This development comes after the government signed a five-year, $29.97 million passport production contract with the Indian firm Madras Security Printers Private Limited. The new contract will replace local ICT company E-Tech Systems, potentially streamlining the passport production process.
The resumption of passport services in Mangochi has been a welcome relief for many Malawians.
As reported earlier, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services announced the resumption of passport services in Mangochi, effective August 20, although the exact date of resumption this year is unclear.
The surge in passport applications highlights the growing demand for travel documents, particularly among deportees who require valid identification to reintegrate into Malawian society.
The Department of Immigration’s efforts to manage the influx of applications will be crucial in ensuring that passport services are delivered efficiently and effectively.