The Anti-Corruption Bureau has launched an investigation into 21 complaints of alleged corrupt practices at the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services. This follows a recent visit to the Department’s Regional Offices (Centre) by the Deputy Minister of Homeland Security, Hon. Norman Chisale, MP, which exposed entrenched corruption within the Department. The complaints reveal disturbing trends of Immigration Officers and middlemen (dobadobas), allegedly demanding bribes of as high as MK500,000 to expedite passport processing, despite the official passport processing fees ranging from MK50, 000 to MK120, 000.
The ACB is concerned that the culture of corruption appears to be well coordinated and tolerated in several Government Departments, which are otherwise supposed to serve the people of Malawi with dignity. The Bureau will ensure that these investigations are thorough and that those responsible for wrong doing are held accountable.
The Bureau will continue to work tirelessly to root out stubborn corrupt syndicates in all Government Departments particularly those prone to corrupt activities in order to ensure transparency and accountability in public service delivery.
Dated this 23rd day of January, 2026
GABRIEL G. CHEMBEZI
ACTING DIRECTOR GENERAL
