By Burnett Munthali, Maravi Post
Malawi’s passport crisis continues to escalate, leaving many citizens stranded and frustrated, with the government seemingly silent on the matter. Despite multiple attempts to reach out, both Information and Digitalization Minister Hon. Moses Kunkuyu and Homeland Security Minister Dr. Ken Zikhale Ng’oma have not responded to questions regarding the ongoing passport challenges nor picked up calls from Maravi Post.
Reports have surfaced of seventeen Malawians stranded at Beitbridge border crossing due to “unreadable” passports recently issued by the Malawi Immigration Department. As the holiday season approaches, the situation grows increasingly dire, with more citizens fearing similar issues when they attempt to travel. The government’s silence on immediate assistance for these citizens has raised concerns, especially as travel disruptions can lead to personal, professional, and financial challenges for Malawians.
Complaints about the new e-passports have been mounting, with numerous Malawians claiming their documents are unreadable by border security systems. This is particularly troubling as the e-passport system was introduced with promises of advanced features and enhanced security. The public has been left questioning why such a system is failing so significantly and what steps the government is taking to address these issues.
Delays in passport issuance have added to the crisis, attributed in part to the government’s search for a new supplier. While there has been a push for Semlex, a company with a controversial record in African passport procurement, questions arise as to why the decision-making process is taking so long. Allegations of corruption have only fueled public anger, with claims that certain high-ranking officials may be influencing the procurement process for personal gain. Yet, neither Minister Kunkuyu nor Minister Ng’oma has offered clarity on the matter, leaving Malawians to wonder about the transparency and fairness of the bidding process.
The current passport contractor, E-Tech, has come under scrutiny for widespread issues, including faulty passports and prolonged delays. Calls for the government to reconsider E-Tech’s contract have intensified, with the public demanding answers on whether other reliable alternatives are being explored.
Many Malawians have been denied entry into South Africa and other countries due to issues with their passports, amplifying concerns about the reliability of the current system. As the festive season approaches, the risk of travel disruptions remains high, and citizens are pressing for reassurance that their government is taking action to prevent further incidents.
The silence from the ministers on this matter is troubling. With a series of questions on procurement transparency, technical failures, and the timeline for resolving these issues, Maravi Post hopes for a prompt response to restore public trust. Malawians deserve reliable travel documents and an assurance that their government is committed to resolving this pressing issue efficiently and transparently.
