The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has launched investigations into 21 complaints of alleged corruption involving officers at the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services, following concerns raised by passport applicants in the Central Region.
ACB Acting Director General, Gabriel Chembezi, confirmed the development in a statement released saying the investigations were triggered by complaints made during a recent visit by Deputy Minister of Homeland Security, Norman Chisale, to Immigration Regional Offices.
According to Chembezi, members of the public alleged that some immigration officers, working in collusion with middlemen commonly known as dobadobas, were demanding bribes to fast-track passport processing.
“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,” Said Chembezi.
He described the allegations as deeply troubling, noting that the reported amounts far exceed government-approved fees and place an unfair burden on citizens seeking essential public services.
Chembezi further expressed concern that the alleged corrupt practices appear to be well-organized and tolerated within some government institutions that are mandated to serve Malawians with integrity and professionalism.
“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,” he said.
He assured the public that the Bureau would conduct comprehensive investigations to uncover the truth and ensure accountability.
“The Bureau will ensure that these investigations are thorough and that those responsible for wrongdoing are held accountable,” Chembezi added.
The Acting Director General emphasized that the ACB remains committed to dismantling corrupt syndicates across the public sector, particularly in departments considered highly vulnerable to corrupt practices.
He said the Bureau will continue working tirelessly to promote transparency, integrity, and accountability in public service delivery, stressing that corruption undermines public trust and access to essential services.
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services has, in recent years, faced recurring complaints from the public over delays and alleged irregularities in passport processing, prompting renewed calls for reforms and stricter oversight.
