Government says it has put in place measures to ensure that the country’s immigration and citizenship legal framework remains relevant and responsive to modern migration trends while safeguarding national interests.
Minister of Homeland Security, Peter Mukhito, made the remarks in Lilongwe on Monday, during a high-level meeting with senior officers from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services aimed at reviewing citizenship laws.
Speaking during the meeting, Mukhito emphasised the importance of reviewing the Citizenship Act to strengthen migration management in Malawi and align it with current realities and international standards.
”Reviewing the Citizenship Act will help enhance transparency, strengthen border management systems, and improve the delivery of services to both Malawian citizens and foreign nationals,” Said Mukhito.
Director General of Immigration and Citizenship Services, Denis Chipao, said the review process is expected to strengthen Malawi’s legal and institutional capacity in managing citizenship matters while ensuring that immigration services remain efficient, transparent, and in line with international best practices.
”The engagement provided an opportunity for the leadership of the department to share insights and recommendations that will contribute to the improvement of the country’s citizenship framework and migration governance,” he said.
Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services continues to play a critical role in providing effective and efficient migration services in the country.
Its mandate includes migration management, citizenship administration, border control, and the issuance of travel documents in accordance with the laws of Malawi and international best practices.
The country has been in the process of reviewing its principal Immigration Act of 1964. However, the government frequently updates immigration regulations, with significant amendments to regulations and visa regimes gazetted in 2015, 2024, and effective 3 January 2025.
Government seeks to align the 1964 Act with the Constitution, targeting modernization of permit systems and border management.
