16 foreign nationals have been arrested by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services, for allegedly staying and operating businesses in Malawi illegally.

According to Eastern Region Immigration Officer Vivian Kasambo, some of the immigrants are from Mozambique,  Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria. Most of the immigrants did not have valid documentation to allow them to enter into, or conduct business in, the country,” he said.

Meanwhile, as 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. “Government wants to emphasise the labour element reviewing the available capacity in the country.” said the (former) Minister of Labour Ken Kandodo in July last year. “ Foreigners should be given permits on skills that are lacking in the country. Many Malawians have complained that foreigners are taking up much of their work space,”.