Lilongwe resident magistrate Shyreen Chirwa has granted the bail of 67 Indian nationals that were working at Salima Sugar Company, without work permits.

The individuals, who are also reported to have submitted invalid work permits, were ordered to pay K100,000 each as bail bond and K500,000 non cash surety bond. The Minister of Homeland Security’s surprise visit to Salima Sugar Company, unveiled that over 60 Indian nationals are working at the factory without work permits including the top management. After failure to submit valid permits, the 67 were remanded to Maula Prison. Days later, the Immigration Department and the Ministry of Homeland Security, partnered up to check on more foreigners who are working in the country without work permits.

According to the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation, the exercise was carried out in Lilongwe, where 5 foreign nationals were arrested for violation. While the Tonse Alliance administration aims to provide 1 million jobs per year to combat unemployment in the country, it will review the issuance of Temporary Employment Permits to foreign workers and nationals in order to give a chance to locals.