The government’s repatriation programme has come under scrutiny after a parliamentary committee revealed that some foreign nationals used buses meant to transport Malawians fleeing xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
The Parliamentary Committee on International Relations has revealed that some foreign nationals took advantage of Malawi’s repatriation programme for citizens fleeing xenophobic attacks in South Africa by boarding government-funded buses intended exclusively for Malawians.
Presenting the committee’s report in Parliament on Wednesday, Chairperson Frank Mwenifumbo said the practice placed unnecessary pressure on public resources and undermined the objective of the humanitarian exercise.
The committee said the buses were arranged to transport Malawians displaced by anti-migrant violence in South Africa back home with government support.
However, Mwenifumbo told Parliament that investigations established that some individuals from other countries used Malawi as a transit route to reach their own destinations.
“Some individuals from other nations are taking advantage of the government’s transportation arrangements intended for Malawians affected by xenophobic attacks in South Africa. These individuals are using Malawi as a transit route to connect to their own countries,” he said.
According to the committee, the development depleted resources meant for vulnerable Malawians while also presenting potential security concerns at the country’s entry points.
The report further noted that government had already spent more than K787 million on transport, food, water, sanitation, shelter and coordination, with an estimated K24.7 billion required to repatriate up to 15,000 Malawians.
To address the challenge, the committee recommended stricter verification of beneficiaries and closer coordination among government agencies to ensure only eligible Malawians access the programme.
“The committee also emphasizes the need for stricter verification measures and enhanced coordination among relevant agencies to ensure that repatriation efforts are reserved exclusively for Malawians and conducted in a secure and accountable manner,” Mwenifumbo said.
The committee also called for tighter border management, stronger enforcement against illegal migration and increased support for the ongoing repatriation exercise as government continues bringing home Malawians displaced by xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
