By Wendy Mkandawire
The Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has criticized government’s decision to double National ID registration fees from K2,500 to K5,000, saying the hike will place additional economic pressure on average citizens and those in remote areas.
In an interview, HRDC Executive Director Michael Kaiyatsa said government should consider citizens who will struggle to afford the new fees.
“We understand that this is linked to the country’s poor economic situation and the rising cost of goods and services. However, government must think of vulnerable people who may fail to access these services,” Kaiyatsa said.
He also urged government to improve the quality of National ID services following the fee increase, including reducing the long waiting periods.
Kaiyatsa’s comments follow a revision of fees by the National Registration Bureau (NRB)for various registration services.
Among other services birth of registration on demand for Malawians aged over 16 years now costs 5,000 per certificate,while replacement of birth and death certificates also costs 5,000.
Other revised charges include K50,000 for a marriage certificate application,K20,000for the replacement of a marriage certificate and K50, 000 for a letter of no impediment.
However, NRB has clarified that normal birth and death registration for civil registration remains free of charge.
