Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Times News
Published on 2024-03-16 06:00:50
The Immigration Department, under the leadership of Director General Charles Kalumo, made headlines this week when it announced the restoration of its hacked passport processing system. This news brought hope to many Malawians who had been eagerly waiting to receive their passports. The department stated that passport issuance would resume starting in Lilongwe and gradually move to other regions.
Upon visiting the Immigration office in Lilongwe on a Friday afternoon, it became evident that there was a surge of people desperately trying to obtain their passports. Despite the crowded environment, not many individuals were queuing up at the window designated for passport collection. Several people we spoke to shared their experiences of being told to come back after two weeks or being given a specific date when their passport would be ready. The process seemed slow and disorganized, leaving many frustrated and uncertain about when they would receive their documents.
Throughout our time at the office, we did not witness anyone successfully receiving their passport. Despite attempting to speak with Immigration officers for clarity on the situation, we were met with vague responses and a lack of transparency. The officers seemed hesitant to provide concrete information, further fueling confusion and frustration among the waiting applicants.
To manage the crowds, four immigration officers were stationed at the main entrance, directing people to different areas based on their passport application status. The process seemed chaotic, with applicants expressing concerns about the lack of efficiency and transparency in the passport issuance process. Some individuals even alleged the presence of corruption in the system, adding to the overall distrust and dissatisfaction among the public.
When we reached out to Director General Kalumo to address these concerns and inquire about the progress of passport issuance, his response was confrontational and dismissive. He refused to provide specific details or updates, citing that he reports directly to the government and not to the press. Despite attempts to clarify the current status of passport issuance and the number of passports processed, Kalumo’s hostile reaction overshadowed the conversation and left many unanswered questions.
The journey to restore the passport issuance system has been tumultuous, marked by a hack, data loss, and delays in processing. President Lazarus Chakwera’s ultimatum to resolve the system’s issues added pressure to the Immigration Department, leading to the recent announcement of the completion of the e-passport issuance system restoration. However, the lack of transparency and communication from key officials like Kalumo has hindered the public’s confidence in the department’s ability to efficiently process passports and serve the citizens of Malawi.
In conclusion, the challenges faced by the Immigration Department in restoring the passport issuance system highlight the need for accountability, transparency, and effective communication with the public. As Malawians await their passports, it is essential for government officials to address concerns, streamline the process, and rebuild trust in the immigration system. Only through collaborative efforts and a commitment to serving the public can the department regain its credibility and fulfill its mandate of facilitating passport issuance for the citizens of Malawi.
Read the original article on The Times
