Tag Archives: Malawi passport mess

Law and order, Malawi, Opinion

Why is embattled immigration chief Charles Kalumo arrogant amid failures?

MaraviPost

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Passport mess is now long overdue that it has brought shame to President Lazarus Chakwera’s Tonse Alliance government.

The mess that started as a rumour has even cost Malawi First Lady Monica Chakwera’s aids who failed to accompany her to Switzerland.

According to sources the First Lady’s aids were rejected by Swiss government due to poor quality of Malawian passport.

In all the mess, President Chakwera remains unmoved to fire the embattled and old Immigration Department Director General Charles Kalumo including Homeland Security Minister Ken Zikhale Ng’oma.

This has also prompted a group of concerned Immigration Department staff vowing to proceed with their planned strike tomorrow.

In a communication seen by this publication, the disgruntled Immigration workers are informing three airlines namely: Malawi Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways of the impending boycott.

The letter dated June 5, 2024 has also been addressed to Malawi Revenue Authority, Transporters Association of Malawi and all travel agents, indicating that Immigration Department staff will down tools on Thursday, June 6 should the Ministry of Homeland Security fail to address their concerns by close of business today.

Reads the notice: “You are therefore advised that there shall be no Immigration services in all formations including, and importantly so, all airports. Take note that we shall note hesitate to announce resumption of services once our concerns are addressed.”

The group of concerned officers is demanding the removal of their director general Charles Kalumo.

The group’s spokesperson Charles Chisi confirmed that they are going ahead with the strike, saying there has not been any feedback from government.

Now, despite the mess at the immigration, without shame and remorse, Kalumo has threatened concerned staff members to get fired if they go ahead with industrial sit-in arguing that its illegal.

Kalumo knows that he has failed to deliver while keeps on assuring Chakwera that the mess will be fixed but, nothing is working.

This is very clear that Chakwera is afraid of firing Kalumo despites calls due to personal connection with the embattled immigration Chief.

This is the reason Kalumo is arrogant, abusive and militant on immigration staff members since he was appointed as immigration chief.

Chakwera must therefore rise above personal relationship with Kalumo to save Malawians from international shame on the passport mess.

Kalumo served the nation at Malawi army and Malawians can not afford to bring an old guard to mess up.

Malawi, Politics

Smell of Sabotage: Homeland Security Minister Zikhale accused of slowing passports printing for personal interests

Maravi Post Reporter

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Tongues are wagging and unconfirmed reports are soaring pointing at Home Affairs Minister Zikhale Ng’oma as, allegedly, being a force behind snail’s pace at which the Immigration Department is printing passports in the country.

This publication has, on strict condition of anonymity, spoken with several sources from the Immigration Department, Home Affairs Ministry, Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) and the Attorney General (AG) and there appears a general consensus at nasty politics at play with regards to the supplying of new passport systems at the Immigration Department.

As Zikhale had pointed in that public appeal to Malawians outside the Immigration Department headquarters weeks ago, government had to quickly come up with a short terms solution to resume the printing of passport as they for the final after the marriage breakdown with Techno Brain.

However, according to our investigations, what is emerging is that the Immigration Department, through its technical department, had already identified a company that would succeed Techno Brain.

The Maravi Post has information alleges that Zikhale, also, had identified a company connected to him to offer the services.

“This is where challenges emerged. Because, as part of getting a quick solution, there was a direction that the procurement process of identifying the supplier should be done by OPC to avoid sabotage and unnecessary delays,” said the source.

This publication understands that the procurement process of E-Tech Systems was done by OPC and co-chaired by AG Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda and Immigration Department Director Charles Kalumo.

“New printers can print 2000 passports but they only print what immigration processes. There is a slow process aimed at sabotaging the whole system because Zikhale wants his printers there. That’s where we are stuck and they will continue dragging the processing of passports just delay the entire and brand E-Tech Systems as a company without capacity. It’s a big challenge,” added the source.

This publication tried to reach out to Minister Zikhale to hear his side of the story .

But his phones still went unanswered as we go to press.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has asked government to furnish the public with information with regards to the procurement process that identified E-Tech Systems.

Through its spokesperson Shadred Namalomba, the party alleges that E-Tech Systems is connected to some MCP members.

However, Minister of Information Moses Kunkuyu says the government has no problem in sharing the information with Malawians.

He adds that the responsible ministry and departments are ready for the same.

Kunkuyu has since quashed suggestions that the company is linked to MCP members; arguing the company is capable of supplying the passports as it has already started issuing them.

Also in a recent interview, E-Tech Systems chief executive officer Raphael Msowoya spoke on his company got the contract underlining that it doesn’t have any relationship with President Lazarus Chakwera, his sone Pastor Nick Chakwera or the Malawi Congress Party (MCP).

Msowoya said his company was awarded the contract on merit after demonstrating capacity to provide a solution at a time when some unscrupulous people and hackers were demanding a ransom running into billions of Kwacha from government.

The allegation about the connection with the Chakweras and MCP came about after a photo was shared on social media showing Msowoya together with MCP candidate for the vice presidency Vitumbiko Mumba, Nick Chakwera and a Serbian government officially in Serbia.

However, Msowoya has underlined that the meeting with them in Serbia was a mere coincidence, saying they went there on a private trip which was unrelated to his trip.

“First of all the sole mandate of issuing and printing passports rests with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services (DoICS). E-Tech Systems’ current agreement with DoICS does not mandate us to print passports or run the passport printery on behalf of DoICS.

“Our role is to provide a passport issuance system solution which is integrated to a wide number of support services and key components including the printing module,” he said.

Malawi

New passport systems supplier speaks out: Says no relationship with the Chakwera family

Maravi Post Reporter

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The company that is supplying new passport systems to the Department of Immigration, E-Tech Systems, has spoken out on how it got the contract underlining that there is no any relationship with President Lazarus Chakwera, his sone Pastor Nick Chakwera or the Malawi Congress Party (MCP).

In a recent exclusive interview, E-Tech Systems chief executive officer Raphael Msowoya said his company was awarded the contract on merit after demonstrating capacity to provide a solution at a time when some unscrupulous people and hackers were demanding a ransom running into billions of Kwacha from government.

The allegation about the connection with the Chakweras and MCP came about after a photo was shared on social media showing Msowoya together with MCP candidate for the vice presidency Vitumbiko Mumba, Nick Chakwera and a Serbian government officially in Serbia.

However, Msowoya has underlined that the meeting with them in Serbia was a mere coincidence, saying they went there on a private trip which was unrelated to his trip.

“First of all the sole mandate of issuing and printing passports rests with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services (DoICS). E-Tech Systems’ current agreement with DoICS does not mandate us to print passports or run the passport printery on behalf of DoICS. Our role is to provide a passport issuance system solution which is integrated to a wide number of support services and key components including the printing module,” he said.

He added that the equipment he supplied on behalf of Malawi government has a capacity to print 270 passports per hour each, emphasizing that their deliverables are to provide the solution, the actual printing is done by the Department.

On the contract price with government which reports indicates that its K896 million, Msowoya said: “The contract price was tied to deliverables which I cannot discuss with press and the main deliverable was to be able to print a passport within 21 days which we did.”

He added that the contract amount for the size of the work they are doing is far much reasonable compared to what others charge in the internationally.

“There are Malawians who were clamoring for a foreign business which is very expensive to just recover locked data without providing a new Passport Issuance System solution,” he said.

Msowoya also called on Malawi to understand that his company, against all odds, has managed to provide a solution the quickest possible at a time of crisis.

“What you have to know is E-Tech systems was established in 2010 with sole director. E-Tech systems is a business that always supports the government of the day and when we have an opportunity to help wherever possible we usually help with our expertise. Malawi as far as Passport Issuance System was on its knees and we as Malawians we have a responsibility to help.

“You as Journalists do you know how many died in a process of waiting for passport to travel to india and other countries whilst some companies/hackers were demanding a ransom from Government? And how many are grateful to access the passport to access medical treatment? Every person is entitled to own opinion but what you have to know is we were awarded own merit after the tasked Technical team trusted us with our expertise,” he asked.

Asked how, as a software company, he managed to get a printing contract, Msowoya said E-Tech Systems is a solution integration company.

“Most companies you see or know are that claim to be Passport Printers are just integrators and these integrators works with Passport printer Manufacture who mostly don’t work with Government directly but through Integrators like E-Tech systems like any other Integrators you know.

“Most companies buy the printer from Manufacture and brand them as their own. Being an integrator, we bought the Printers directly from Manufacture of the printers on behalf of Malawi Government at no profit just to save this country you can verify that information,” he said.

The softspoken Msowoya has since called on Malawians to love their country and stand together to fight the common enemy in our midst.

“We are a sovereign state able to make our own decisions. It’s very unfortunate that when a foreigner gets such a contract Malawians remain silent. We have a lot of multi-billion contracts which have been awarded on single sourcing or restricted tendering no one talks because the suppliers are foreign companies but since this have been resolved by a Malawian company, we have so much problems.

“Let us not be used by few greedy individuals who are pushing their own agenda to fill their own pockets and tarnish our own country and hold this country at ransom. Malawi is our home we have nowhere else we call home other than our own Malawi. Tiyeni tileke kuzionela pansi,” he said.

corruption, Malawi

Chakwera’s son Nick linked E-Tech reaping Govt MK6.8m daily for printing only 150 passports

Maravi Post Author

BY JACK MCBRAMS

BLANTYRE-(PIJ)-Last month, Malawi’s Immigration Department awarded a MK896 million, six-month contract to E-Tech, a local software company, to print passports—a decision that has sparked widespread controversy.

The Platform for Investigative Journalism scrutinised this contract, which has raised significant concerns about the department’s transparency and adherence to procurement regulations.

E-Tech’s K896 Million Contract Details Revealed
Under the terms of the contract, E-Tech is responsible for providing comprehensive ICT services, including the design, development, and installation of a temporary system for passport issuance, as well as the supply and installation of passport printers.

The substantial contract amount, K896 million—exclusive of local taxes and duties—translates to approximately K150 million per month or a staggering K6.8 million per day, sparking widespread concern over the expenditure.

The decision to award the K896 million passport printing contract to E-Tech through a single-source procurement method has intensified concerns among legal and procurement experts. They contend that the significant expenditure should have undergone an open tender process.

Additionally, insiders at the Immigration Department report a dramatic decline in passport production since E-Tech assumed responsibility.

The company is now reportedly issuing only 150 passports daily, a stark decrease from the 12,000 passports previously produced each day by TechnoBrain.

Starting on 24 February 2024, E-Tech, a software company with no prior experience in passport printing, began a six-month contract to overhaul Malawi’s passport issuance system.

Awarded at MK896 million, the contract, as reviewed by the Platform for Investigative Journalism (PIJ), includes designing, developing, and installing a temporary passport issuance system and supplying and installing passport printers. The contract amount excludes local taxes, duties, disbursements, and any other imposts for which E-Tech is liable.

Section 3 of the contract details E-Tech’s responsibilities, including developing a scalable, user-friendly software solution compatible with existing hardware. The contract stipulates implementing a system to capture and integrate new biometric data alongside developing a secure method for merging this with historical demographic information.

Additionally, the contract calls for implementing a public key infrastructure to ensure secure data signing and verification and integrating Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS) for accurate data deduplication.

The use of the department’s four GET P600 Printers is specified, with provisions for considering additional models as suggested by vendors.

In addition to developing and implementing new software solutions, E-Tech’s contract encompasses several critical functions. These include seamless integration with the National Registration Bureau’s system for reliable data verification and a secure banking system integration to facilitate payment processing.

The company is also tasked with conducting rigorous testing to ensure functionality, security, and performance. Furthermore, E-Tech will provide six months of comprehensive training and technical support to ensure the smooth operation and maintenance of the new systems.

Despite its rudimentary website, E-Tech Systems claims to have a broad range of qualified and skilled associates delivering ICT solutions. The company combines strategy, creativity, and technology to serve its clients.

According to their profile, “We excel in software installation upgrades, desktop and web-based software development, website development and hosting, computer hardware installation and servicing, antivirus software, internet security systems setup, and network systems management, including installation of wireless networks, point to point networks, and Virtual Private Networks. Moreover, our functional and technical experience extends to interfacing with third-party conveyors and various consultants.”

An ICT expert who previously worked as a consultant for the Immigration Department expressed scepticism about E-Tech’s capabilities to the Platform for Investigative Journalism (PIJ).

“No, they don’t have the capacity. They have never done such work before,” he stated, questioning E-Tech’s technical skills and capacity to manage the extensive passport printing project.

Additionally, he pointed out that E-Tech’s K896 million charge is excessive, especially since the company is utilising blank passports and hardware that TechnoBrain left behind.

Concerns Over E-Tech’s Performance and Costs

An ICT expert highlighted a significant backlog of blank passports at the Immigration Department, noting,

“The only new cost would be hardware in the form of servers, printers, and software. The consumables were there already,” he told us.

A senior officer at the immigration office in Lilongwe corroborated this perspective, revealing to PIJ, “E-Tech is using passport books and other consumables like films and ribbons that TechnoBrain left. I don’t know if that has been factored into the procurement deal.”

The officer noted signs of inefficiency and sluggishness in E-Tech’s operations, stating, “The printing is taking place, but not 500 a day as the minister claims; it’s around 150 passports daily. The printing process is slow as lamination is done manually, resulting in much damage.”

At this rate, E-Tech’s current output of 150 passports a day represents just 1.25% of the previous rate of 12,000 passports daily, prior to the system being hacked.

E-Tech Clarifies Role and Defends Contract Value

Raphael Msowoya, managing director of E-Tech, defended the company’s performance, stating that the equipment supplied by E-Tech on behalf of the Government has the capacity to print 270 passports per hour.

“So you can translate in the number of hours this equipment can print. E-Tech Systems’ deliverables were to provide the solution. The actual printing is done by the department,” he told PIJ.

Msowoya emphasised that the contract price was linked to specific deliverables, the main one being the ability to start printing passports within 21 days—a goal they achieved.

He also noted that the contract amount is reasonable compared to international standards, especially given the size of the work E-Tech is doing. “There are Malawians who were clamouring for a foreign business, which is very expensive, just to recover locked data without providing a new Passport Issuance System solution,” he added.

In separate interviews with PIJ, Attorney General Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda and Chief Immigration Officer Charles Kalumo defended the procurement process.

“All procedures were followed from the drawing of the contract by the office of the Attorney General. PPDA gave no objection. As required by law, ACB also approved the procurement. Additionally, the Honourable Attorney General vetted the contract. He advised that being a local transaction, the contract price, which was in dollars, should be changed to Kwacha to comply with the Exchange Control regulations,” stated Kalumo.

Immigration Chief Details Oversight and Origin of Procurement Process

The Chief Immigration Officer stated that the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) established a committee chaired by the Deputy SPC.

This committee included all key stakeholders, such as the PS for the Ministry of Homeland Security, PS for Information, E-Gov Innovation, Immigration, Attorney General, ACB, Solicitor General, ICTAM, Malawi Police Service, and the NIS.

However, a senior government official who attended the impromptu meeting at the AG’s office told PIJ confidently that the meeting was called to rubber stamp a decision already made.

“We were summoned to the meeting but we were not informed of the agenda beforehand. When we got there, the AG, who chaired the meeting, presented us with the contract documents and asked each of us to vet the contract as this was a national security issue. Obviously, people were ill-prepared and intimidated by the atmosphere,” he said.

On his part, Kalumo claimed that the procurement process originated from the Immigration Department’s own Internal Procurement Committee.

But when PIJ reached out to Martha Gonondo, the chair of the department’s Internal Procurement Committee, she responded tersely:

“Sorry, I don’t have any information.”

Chief Immigration Officer Kalumo explained that the decision to use a single-source procurement method was urgent.

“It was done through a single source because we needed to start printing as soon as possible. TechnoBrain quoted a very high amount, and they requested a down payment beforehand. Also included was the buying of a completely new system,” he elaborated in an exclusive interview with PIJ.

Kalumo Details TechnoBrain’s Demands and E-Tech’s Rapid Response

In a revealing disclosure, Kalumo noted that TechnoBrain had demanded $1.6 million (about K3.2 billion) for the first phase and $600,000 (K1.2 billion) for the second phase. Although the third and final phase did not have a specified quote, it required a completely new system for passport printing.

“In the third phase, there was no quote, but they gave us all details of what would be required, which was a new complete system for passport printing,” he explained.

Additionally, Kalumo highlighted that while other companies approached could deliver a solution in at least three months, with some taking as long as 12 months, E-Tech stood out by offering to do this in a record period of 21 days.

When confronted by PIJ about the K896 million value of E-Tech’s contract, Kalumo appeared to be unaware.

“I am not aware of what you are talking about,” he stated.

Attorney General Confirms Emergency Procurement for Passport Crisis

Attorney General Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda confirmed to PIJ that E-Tech was engaged in providing a temporary solution to the passport crisis.

“All procurement procedures were followed. Being an emergency, procurement was through single sourcing. The procuring entity is Immigration. They are better placed to comment. Or you may talk to the Ministry of Homeland Security,” he explained.

PPDA, ACB Approve Single-Source Procurement for Passport Printing

The Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority (PPDA) confirmed to PIJ that it granted a No Objection to the Immigration Department’s request to use a single-source procurement method.

Based on the submission from the Procuring and Disposing Entity (PDE) regarding this procurement, the PPDA found the request had satisfied the grounds for using a single source as provided under section 37(9)(c) of the PPDA Act 2017. Hence, it granted its No Objection.

“Regarding whether there was an alternative, you may engage with the PDE, which conducted the market analysis and decided to submit single source the services from E-Tech,” explained PPDA spokesperson Kate Kujaliwa.

ACB spokesperson Egrita Mdala told PIJ the bureau approved the contract using provisions from the PPDA Act.

“The bureau further developed its own guidelines to follow during the vetting process. Upon noticing that the proposed method of procurement was single source, the Bureau, through the PPDA Act, the PPDA Act regulations and the ACB vetting guidelines tool assessed whether this procurement was fit to be considered for single sourcing. The bureau concluded that this was an emergency procurement which also borders on issues of national security (Check s.37 (2) and s.37 (9) (c) of the PPDA Act as read together with paragraph 24 of 4th schedule of PPDA Act regulation). The bureau made its recommendations to the PPDA including further conduct of procurement for this contract. You may wish to contact the PPDA for further comments.”

Salim Bagus, who chairs the Parliamentary Committee on Security, told PIJ that he was unaware of the contract sum for E-Tech’s passport printing services until their inquiry.

“I am hearing it for the first time from you. But we will meet with them in two weeks, and maybe during that meeting, we will ask them to explain this contract,” he stated.

Potential Political Ties in Passport Contract Come to Light

Amid speculation about political influence, it has come to light that Raphael Msowoya, the managing director of E-Tech, travelled to Serbia with MCP vice presidential candidate Vitumbiko Mumba and President Lazarus Chakwera’s son, Nick, shortly after E-Tech was awarded the passport printing contract.

While Nick and Msowoya did not respond to inquiries, Mumba spoke to PIJ to clarify his involvement.

“The trip to Serbia was purely personal. The coincidence is that the person I travelled with won the passport contract. I cannot say that he is someone I know very well, but I know him professionally. He is a professional who knows his job,” he explained.

E-Tech Denies Political Connections Amid Contract Scrutiny

On his part, Msowoya explained that neither E-Tech as a business nor himself as a Director have any relationship with President Chakwera, Nick Chakwera or the MCP.

“E-Tech Systems was awarded the contract on merit after demonstrating the capacity to provide a solution at a time when some unscrupulous people and hackers were demanding a ransom running into billions of Kwacha from the government,” he said but fell short of explaining his relationship with Nick or the nature of his trip to Serbia where he was photographed alongside Nick and Mumba.

Source: PIJ

Malawi, Opinion, Technology

The dangers of Malawi losing passport data

Burnett Munthali

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi Bagamoyo government suspended the issuing of passports following a cyber-attack on the immigration service’s computer network.

President Lazarus Chakwera told Members of Parliament (MPs) that the targeting of the department amounted to a “serious national security breach”.

He revealed that the hackers were asking for a ransom. But the president said the government would not give in to their demands and was working to resolve the problem.

Access your bank account or add unauthorized users to your account

Because your passport is an accepted form of identification, scammers can use it to try and gain access to your bank account. Here’s how this scam can happen:

Scammers gather information about you

Fraudsters use your passport number to gather more details about you online, such as your date of birth, address, and Social Security number (SSN). They can obtain this information via data breaches, phishing attempts, or from your social media accounts.

Next, they impersonate you at your bank. Using your personal information, scammers can pose as you when contacting your bank. If bank representatives think they are talking with the legitimate account holder, they may ask for your passport as proof of identity.

Then, they exploit weak security questions. If your bank uses security questions to authenticate, scammers may be able to answer them with the information they’ve gathered. These security questions can be easily guessed or found online in some instances.

Finally, they take over (and empty) your account. Once scammers convince a bank representative that they are the account holder, they can request changes to your account such as updating contact information or changing online banking passwords.

Scammers can also add their names to your bank accounts using counterfeit passport cards. In a recent scam, a North Texas man stole $1.9 million from Chase bank customers using fake passports that included the victims’ names and identifying information but different photos.

Open fraudulent bank accounts in your name

While using a passport to access a current bank account is a lengthy and risky process, it’s much easier for scammers to use fake or stolen passports to open new accounts in your name.

Just two years ago, one man admitted to committing bank fraud to steal over $450,000 by using fake passports.

To open bank accounts, deposit fraudulent checks, and withdraw money, he attached his photograph to four different forged passports. Sign up for a credit monitoring service to alert you if anyone is trying to open an account or take out a loan in your name.

Bypass 2FA to gain access to your online accounts

On some websites, scammers can use your stolen passport numbers as alternative proof of identity (POI) when requesting a password reset or changing your two-factor authentication (2FA) settings.

With just your passport number and a few other pieces of information, they could gain access to your email account, websites that store your credit card information, or even your online bank account.

Mine for more of your data on the Dark Web

The Dark Web is a layer of the internet that isn’t easily accessible by the average internet user. While there are legitimate reasons to use the Dark Web, it’s favored by criminals and hackers because it allows them to anonymously sell or trade stolen information and illegal goods.

If scammers have your passport number, they can use it to find other sensitive information about you on the Dark Web, including your: Driver’s license number, Social Security number (SSN), Banking information, Credit card numbers, Online account passwords, Scammers can purchase this information in bulk for a low cost. Once they have all the data, they can create a more complete profile of you to use when opening fraudulent bank accounts or applying for loans.

Create more authentic forged passports

Passport numbers and scans can be used to create a forged physical passport. While a forger might get caught when trying to enter countries like the United States, Canada, and parts of Europe, forged passports can still be used as legitimate IDs for committing identity fraud within a country.

If your passport number is stolen, scammers could create forgeries and sell them on the Dark Web for less than $1,000.

Check if someone is using your passport to travel illegally. The website in some countries will show all border crossings occurring under your name or passport. If you think someone is traveling under your name, you should check this resource online.

Target you with fake breach notifications

Scammers often prey on fear. If they find your passport number online, they could use it to create a fake data breach notification and steal even more sensitive information from you. For example, scammers could wait for a highly publicized data breach such as the 2022 American Airlines breach, and then send phishing emails claiming your passport was stolen. If you click on a link in these emails, it will send you to a fake website that steals more of your personal information.

Build a synthetic identity using your ID

A synthetic identity is a combination of real and fake personal information that creates a new, fake identity. For about $1,200, scammers can take your passport and personal information like your full name, place of birth, and SSN and build a fake identity to use for themselves.

Apply for government benefits in your name

Scammers can also apply for government benefits using your passport number, leaving you on the hook for any aftermath or repercussions. In this type of identity theft, scammers can pose as you to receive benefits to which you are entitled such as unemployment insurance, healthcare subsidies, or Social Security disbursements.

Travel to other countries

Fraudsters can travel internationally under your name by using fake or manipulated passports. This may involve altering the biographical data, photo, or electronic chip embedded in the passport.

Once they’ve entered another country, scammers can use your fake passport to commit crimes and evade law enforcement.

Act quickly: If you know that your actual passport has been stolen, report it as lost or stolen immediately. If scammers try to use it, they will be immediately detained and the passport will be confiscated.

Commit employment fraud

Fraudsters can also use your passport number when applying for jobs that they wouldn’t otherwise get due to visa restrictions or background checks.

If someone gains employment under your name, it can cause serious headaches during tax season or when you try to apply for government or Social Security benefits.

Conclusion

The Ministry of Homeland Security told Malawians that they have recovered 90 percent of the system. Now comes this data issue. On Thursday, President Chakwera warned the authorities to retake possession of the system or face the chop.

The immigration department responded a few hours later on Saturday 2 March 2024 saying that they were working towards the deadline and dispelled what they called passport data loss claims.

However when we visited the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) website page, the page could not be found. We also checked on MBC’s official Facebook page, and the response to the passport data loss story was not found.