TRANSFORMING HOME AFFAIRS FOR SAFETY, JUSTICE,
AND ACCESSIBILITY
24.1 Introduction: The Need for Transformative Home Affairs
Home Affairs forms the cornerstone of governance, law enforcement, justice, and
national security. Yet, Malawi’s Police Service, Prisons, and Immigration systems
face systemic inefficiencies, corruption, and outdated infrastructure, hindering their
ability to deliver efficient and citizen-focused services.
Aligned with MW2063’s Governance Enabler and the Human Capital Development
Pillar, UTM’s vision is to modernize and professionalize Home Affairs institutions
to ensure safety, justice, and accessibility for every Malawian. Through reforms,
investments in technology, and innovative governance, we will create a secure,
equitable, and efficient system to serve our people better
24.2 Current Challenges in Home Affairs
24.2.1 Police Services
- High levels of corruption and lack of accountability.
- Poor infrastructure, including dilapidated police stations and lack of modern
equipment - Disruptive transfer orders undermining community trust.
- Poor remuneration, low morale, and limited training for officers.
- Exploited by incumbent administrations for political purposes, undermining trust
and professionalism in law enforcement.
24.2.2 Prisons
- Overcrowded and inhumane facilities that fail to meet international standards.
- Minimal focus on rehabilitation, leading to high recidivism rates.
- Lack of vocational training and reintegration programs for inmates.
- Inadequate training for correctional officers.
24.2.3 Immigration Services
- High passport and visa fees, discouraging accessibility for citizens and visitors.
- Outdated border infrastructure and limited digitization.
- Inefficient visa and work permit processing systems deterring tourism and trade.
- Weak systems for managing identification and security records
24.2.4 Systemic Challenges
- Fragmented identity management and duplication of records.
- Inefficiencies in service delivery due to lack of digitization.
- Ghost beneficiaries in social programs and limited financial inclusion due to the
absence of a standardized system.
24.3 Target Milestones
- By 2030: Reduce crime rates by 50% through professionalization of the Police
Service. - By 2035: Establish a fully digitized immigration system with 90% online service
capability. - By 2030: Construct and modernize 10 humane prison facilities meeting
international standards. - By 2035: Fully implement the Social Security Unique Identification Number (SSUIN)
to streamline identity management and service delivery.
24.4 UTM Pledges: A Modernized Home Affairs System
24.4.1 Reforming the Police Service
Alignment with MW2063: Enhances Governance
through professional law enforcement.
- Professionalization: Recruit and train officers
to uphold integrity and professionalism in law
enforcement. - Infrastructure Development: Build and upgrade
modern police stations and community police
posts, starting in high-crime areas. - Officer Welfare: Improve housing, end disruptive
transfer orders, and increase salaries. - Community Policing: Expand partnerships with
communities to ensure collaborative crime
prevention. - Political Neutrality: Establish strict policies and oversight mechanisms to prevent
the misuse of law enforcement for political purposes, ensuring impartiality and
public trust.
24.4.2 Modernizing Prisons
Alignment with MW2063: Supports Human Capital Development by focusing on
rehabilitation.
- Modern Facilities: Construct humane prisons and upgrade existing ones to meet
international standards. - Rehabilitation Programs: Introduce vocational training, counseling, and
education for inmates. - Officer Training: Train correctional officers on rehabilitation-focused practices
24.4.3 Transforming Immigration Services
Alignment with MW2063: Fosters Economic
Resilience by facilitating tourism and trade.
- Affordable Passports and Visas: Reduce
costs to promote accessibility for citizens
and visitors. - Modern Border Posts: Build and upgrade
border posts with e-border systems
and integrated facilities for security and
convenience. - Digitization: Implement online applications
for passports, visas, and permits to
streamline processes. - Liberalized Visa Regime: Liberalize the
citizenship regime by introducing a Digital
Nomad Visa to attract global talent and
wealthy individuals to work remotely, settle,
invest, and contribute to Malawi’s economy.
24.4.4 Social Security Unique Identifying Number (SSUIN)
Alignment with MW2063: Advances Governance and Technology Adoption for
efficient service delivery.
- Link population data with health, education, and employment systems.
- Eliminate ghost beneficiaries in social programs.
- Enable financial inclusion through credit scoring and secure property registration.
- Streamline service delivery across sectors and curb cybercrime.
24.5 Benefits of UTM’s Home Affairs Reforms
- A Professionalized Police Service: Enhanced public trust and reduced crime rates.
- Humane and Rehabilitative Prisons: Reduced recidivism and better reintegration
for former inmates. - Streamlined Immigration: Increased tourism and trade through affordable,
efficient visa and passport services. - Integrated National Systems: Efficient governance through SSUIN and improved
citizen experience in accessing services.
24.6 Estimated Investments and Funding Mechanisms
Estimated Investment: $2 billion over the next decade to fund Home Affairs
Investments and Operations
Proposed Funding Sources:
- National Budget Allocation: Dedicate 2% of the national budget to Home Affairs
for infrastructure, technology, and personnel development. - Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Engage private entities to co-fund border
infrastructure police. - Diaspora Bonds: Mobilize resources from Malawians abroad for Home Affairs
initiatives. - International Grants: Partner with organizations like UNDP and the African Union
to secure funding for security and justice reforms. - Revenue from Digitized Services: Use revenue from online passport and visa
systems to reinvest in infrastructure and modernization. - Digital Visa and Citizenship Sales: Leverage our Visa to attract talent and wealth.
- Private Sector: Identify areas and work with the private sector through Build Own
Transfer (BOT) models.
Conclusion
A secure and well-governed Home Affairs system is the foundation of a prosperous
and just nation. Aligned with MW2063’s Governance and Human Capital
Development goals, UTM is committed to transforming Malawi’s Home Affairs
sector into a modern, professional, and citizen-focused system.
Through bold reforms in law enforcement, prisons, and immigration services,
coupled with technological advancements like SSUIN, we will ensure that every
Malawian feels secure, valued, and empowered. Together, we will build a safer,
more just, and globally competitive Malawi.