By Wendy Mkandawire
The Parliamentary Committee on International Relations has expressed concern over the continued illegal migration of Malawians to South Africa, despite ongoing xenophobic attacks, as the government spends K24 billion to repatriate citizens.
Parliamentary committee on international relations Deputy Chairperson Frank Tumpale Mwenefumbo disclosed this in Parliament while presenting the committee’s report on the status of the government’s repatriation efforts.
According to the report, the government has implemented at least K24 billion for transportation and the provision of basic necessities to Malawians returning from South Africa due to xenophobia.
Mwenefumbo commended well-wishers currently working with the government to facilitate the return of Malawians but appealed to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services to tighten border security to restrict illegal movement.
The committee also urged the Treasury to provide adequate financial resources to facilitate smooth repatriation, noting that many Malawians are still volunteering to return home.
Reacting, Lilongwe Nyanja MP Steve Baba Malondera faulted the government for repatriating citizens by road instead of air transport.
Malondera said road transport takes too long for citizens to reach the country, arguing that air transport would be faster and more dignified.
The Department of Disaster Management Affairs recently announced that at least 41,976 Malawians have so far been repatriated.
