Minister of Homeland Security Peter Mukhitho says the government is taking
urgent measures to address persistent passport shortages in the country, which
have contributed to delays in processing applications.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Mukhitho acknowledged the challenges
facing passport issuance and assured Malawians that the government is working
towards finding a lasting solution.
The minister attributed the shortages partly to limitations in the existing
supply contract between the Malawi Government and Madras Security Printers, as
well as foreign exchange shortages affecting payments to the supplier.
According to Mukhitho, the contractual agreement provides for the supply of
100,000 passport booklets annually over five years, a capacity that does not
match the growing demand for passports.
He added that foreign exchange shortages have affected contractual payments,
contributing to disruptions in supply and a growing backlog of passport
applications.
To address the situation, Mukhitho said the government is reviewing the
existing contractual agreement and engaging Madras Security Printers and
relevant government institutions to resolve outstanding payments and supply
challenges and expedite the delivery of passport booklets.
Minister of Homeland Security, Mukhitho in his office.
“Our commitment is not simply to resolve todays difficulties, but to build a
passport issuance system that is reliable, efficient and worthy of the confidence
of the people of Malawi”, Said Mukhito.
Meanwhile, Mukhitho has called on Malawians to remain peaceful and express
their grievances through lawful channels, while condemning the disturbances
that occurred on Wednesday at the department's offices in Lilongwe, where one
official was injured and property was damaged.
