Government appoints acting Immigration chief

The government has appointed Macloud Anamchuma Kalindang’oma as acting Director General of Immigration and Citizenship Services.

He replaces Fletcher Nyirenda, who was appointed acting director general in June last year.

In a letter dated March 17 2025, signed by Secretary to the President and Cabinet (SPC) Colleen Zamba, the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) says the appointment is with immediate effect and will remain in force until the position is filled substantively.

“It has pleased the government to appoint you as Director General of Immigration and Citizenship Services (Grade C) in the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services under the Ministry of Homeland Security, with effect from the date you report for duties,” reads the letter addressed to Kalindang’oma.

According to the letter, Kalindang’oma will be entitled to the full difference between his current salary and the minimum salary attached to Grade C, in line with Malawi Public Service Regulations.

It added that “All other benefits applicable to your substantive grade will continue to apply,”

It further states that his acting appointment will cease once the government completes the process of appointing a substantive director general, in accordance with provisions of the Immigration Act (Cap. 15:03).

Kalindang’oma’s appointment will also be published in the forthcoming edition of the Malawi Government Gazette.

The appointment has been communicated to the Secretary for Human Resource Management and Development, the Secretary for Homeland Security, the Auditor General and the Accountant General, among other key government offices.

Kalindang’oma assumes the role at a time the Department of Immigration is grappling with challenges such as passport issuance delays, human trafficking concerns, corruption allegations and issues involving immigration officers’ handling of passports and border control.

Confirming the development, Homeland Security Minister Ezekiel Ching’oma emphasised the need for Kalindang’oma’s commitment and dedication to drive the department’s transformation.

“Malawians urgently need to put passport issues behind them. We have to gather ground, and we are moving forward on service delivery to the satisfaction of Malawians,” Ching’oma said.

This appointment also comes at a time Malawi has been urged by the United States government to address issues related to passports and immigration.