Malawi has been urged to swiftly formulate a National Migration Policy.
This call comes as the country commemorates this year’s International Migrants Day on Wednesday in Mchinji.
The Chief of Mission at the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Namagugu Ncube, highlighted the critical need for a comprehensive policy to streamline migration governance in the country.
“The national migration policy is an overarching framework for migration governance in Malawi. Its absence has resulted in a fragmented approach, where migration is treated as a sectoral issue rather than a holistic, multi-sectoral matter,” said Ncube.
The policy, once implemented, is expected to clarify and outline Malawi’s priorities in governing migration.
The Director of Administration in the Ministry of Labour, Paul Kalilombe, said that the policy is currently at an advanced stage, as it is with the Ministry of Justice for input and final drafting. However, he acknowledged that more work remains to be done.
Anne Kaonga, Deputy Commissioner of Immigration in the Ministry of Home Affairs and the guest of honour at the event, noted the progress Malawi has made in managing migration.
This year’s commemoration was held under the theme “Every Step Towards Regular Pathways.” The event was also attended by the UN Resident Coordinator, Rebbeca Addah Dontoh.
By Vincent Khonje, MANA
