By Durrell Namasani
The Leader of Malawi Congress Party members living in the diaspora Chalo Mvula has commended the recent move by Homeland Security Minister Ken Zikhale Ng’oma and the Chakwera administration in removing entry visa requirements for 79 countries, a move targeted at improving the countries tourism industry.
Speaking to 247 Malawi Media to make commentary on the Issue , Mvula has highlighted that the move shows Chakwera’s Government’s commitment to improving the tourism industry in Malawi.
“The issue about strategic visa removal for some countries has been talked about for sometime now, many even in the Diaspora have been suggesting this to the Ministry of Tourism and its great to see the Homeland Security Minister Dr Zikhale finally signing in the changes”
In a communication released on Wednesday, The Malawi Government through the Homeland Security Minister has removed entry visa requirements for 79 countries
Visas for entry into Malawi are required by nationals of all countries, except the
following countries Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Jamaica, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America and others
This comes as the Malawi government has amended the Immigration Act on visa requirements for entry into Malawi for nationals of various countries.
The Malawi Gazette Supplement, signed by Minister of Homeland Security,
Ken Zikhałe Ng’oma, effective February 7, specifically Government Notice No. 6,
outlines changes to visa requirements for entry into Malawi for nationals of various countries, with exceptions for certain groups such as diplomats and government officials, and countries that have mutual exchange agreements for multiple entry visas with Malawi.
Additionally, nationals from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) are exempt from visa requirements.This excludes countries that impose visa requirements on Malawian citizens.
Holders of specific Laissez-Passer documents, issued by organisations such as the United Nations (UN), African Union (AU), and African Development Bank (ADB), are exempt while on official business.
According to the new visa arrangements, the validity of multiple entry visas in Malawi is up to 6 months and 12 months.
