The review of the Immigration Act is set to strengthen Malawi’s legal framework in the fight against human trafficking and transnational organized crime, with the Government planning to table proposed amendments during the next sitting of Parliament.
Minister of Homeland Security Peter Mukhito announced the planned reforms in Lilongwe during commemorations marking the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.
He said the proposed amendments are intended to close legal loopholes that have long been exploited by human trafficking syndicates operating within and across the country’s borders.
Mukhito said the reforms will strengthen border security, enhance the use of digital surveillance technologies, and introduce stiffer penalties for individuals involved in trafficking vulnerable people, particularly women and children.
“The review of the Immigration Act is intended to strengthen our legal framework by addressing existing gaps that criminals continue to exploit. We want to ensure that our borders are secure, our surveillance systems are modern, and those who traffic people face stiffer punishments,” said Mukhito.
He emphasized that the Government remains committed to protecting Malawians from human trafficking networks while strengthening collaboration with local and international partners to dismantle transnational organized criminal groups.
According to the Ministry of Homeland Security, Malawi continues to serve as both a source and transit country for human trafficking, with women and children remaining the most vulnerable to exploitation.
Victims are often trafficked for forced labour, domestic servitude, sexual exploitation, and other forms of abuse.
The ministry says strengthening the country’s immigration legislation is a critical step towards preventing human trafficking, improving protection for victims, and ensuring that perpetrators are effectively prosecuted.
The World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is commemorated annually to raise awareness of the global fight against human trafficking and to encourage governments, institutions, and communities to work together to protect vulnerable populations and bring traffickers to justice.
