By Chrispin Kapindira
Immigration officers across Malawi have initiated industrial action following a petition submitted to the Ministry of Homeland Security. The petition, delivered on May 27th, 2024, demanded the resignation or removal of Brigadier General Charles Kalumo (rtd) from his position as Director General of Immigration and Citizenship Services.
About 300 Immigration Department staff across the country threatened to shut down their offices, including airports and land border posts if the government fails to fire their boss, Charles Kalumo, by June 6 2024.
As of tomorrow, June 6th, 2024, all border posts, including airports, will be closed. Immigration officers say they have taken this step to press for their demands.
Senior officers accused Kalumo of destabilizing the department’s hierarchy through unjustified changes.
Officers expressed dissatisfaction with Brigadier General Kalumo’s leadership, citing maladministration, incompetence, and poor decision-making.
The concerned staff gave Kalumo a 10-day ultimatum to resign over allegations of a tyrannical administration and unfair interdictions.
The Ministry’s lack of action prompted this protocol, which aims to protect the image of the Government and the Department.
Efforts to speak to Kalumo over the allegations proved futile as his phone went unanswered, meanwhile The Ministry of Homeland Security has not yet issued an official response.
Malawi is facing a passport production crisis, with a backlog of 35,000 passport applications against a printing capacity of about 500 booklets a day.
The country has experienced passport issuance challenges since the cancellation of a $60.8 million Techno Brain contract in December 2021.
The situation remains tense, and the officers' demands continue to be a pressing issue for the Ministry of Homeland Security. We will keep you updated as events unfold.
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