A proposed first-in, first-out passport application system and digital tracking tools could improve transparency, reduce corruption and end long waits that have left thousands of Malawians waiting months for travel documents.
NEWS | Governance | Public Services | Edwin Mauluka
The Malawi government is considering introducing a queuing system for passport applications as part of efforts to curb corruption and ensure applicants are served in the order they apply.
Minister of Homeland Security Peter Mukhitho made the commitment in Parliament while responding to a proposal by Mwanza Central MP Felix Njawala, who also called for an electronic tracking system that would allow applicants to monitor the progress of their passport applications.
Njawala argued that a numbered queuing system would improve transparency and make it harder for officials to bypass applicants who followed the proper procedures.
“If it is possible, the Department of Immigration should introduce a queuing system that assigns a unique number once an application and payment are made,” Njawala said.
“If I apply for a passport today, I should know that I am number 1,100, and number 1,102 should not receive a passport before me.”
The legislator said many people who applied for passports last year are still waiting, while newer applicants have already received their documents.
He cited 30 applicants from Mwanza Central Constituency who have been waiting between four months and a year and are still holding application receipts after being repeatedly told by the Department of Immigration that their passports are not yet ready.
“That is very unfair, and it is what is contributing to corruption,” Njawala said. “A system that processes applications sequentially would make it easy to question why number five received a passport before number one.”
Mukhitho welcomed the proposal, saying the government would explore its implementation.
“I think that’s a very good idea. We will engage the Minister of Information through the e-Government programme to consider implementing this system,” he said.
The minister also responded to calls for an electronic passport tracking system.
He said the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services previously offered digital tracking under its former passport platform managed by TECNO Brain. The system enabled applicants to receive SMS updates on the status of their applications and included online services aimed at reducing unnecessary visits to immigration offices while promoting transparency and limiting opportunities for corruption.
However, Mukhitho said the department is currently focused on stabilising the new passport system introduced under Madras Security Printers (MSP).
“At this stage, priority is being placed on stabilising and strengthening the core operational framework of the new system,” he said.
The modernisation programme includes improving system performance and expanding passport printing services to regional centres across the country.
Mukhitho said decentralising passport printing is a key reform that will bring services closer to citizens, reduce congestion at the Lilongwe office, shorten processing times and lessen the conditions that can fuel corruption.
Once the new system has been fully stabilised and the regional rollout completed, he said, the department will progressively introduce enhanced digital tracking tools, including SMS notifications, online portals and mobile-based services such as WhatsApp integration.
“These features are already within the scope of the current system framework and will be activated in due course,” Mukhitho said.
He said the government’s goal is to use technology to improve passport service delivery by building a system that is efficient, transparent, accessible and resilient.
“Our objective is to build a system that restores public confidence and upholds the highest standards of integrity,” he said.
Mukhitho also told Parliament that the Department of Immigration has restored passport printing services in Mangochi District, a move expected to ease pressure on the system and improve access for applicants.
—
In photo above, Felix Njawala.
Also Read: Repatriation bill climbs as Malawi MPs urge South Africa travel ban amid xenophobic violence
Related: Malawi’s migration dilemma: Why economic despair is driving citizens to South Africa
