Government plans to review the Immigration Act at the next meeting of Parliament as part of efforts to close legal gaps and strengthen the national response to human trafficking and transnational organised crime.
Minister of Homeland Security Peter Mukhito made the announcement in Lilongwe during activities to commemorate World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.
Mukhito said the proposed amendments would prioritise tighter border management, enhanced digital surveillance and stiffer penalties for individuals and networks that exploit vulnerable Malawians.
“The Ministry of Homeland Security will move to dismantle trafficking syndicates and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice. Let it be known that human beings are not commodities to be bought and sold,” Mukhito said.
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He said human trafficking had evolved in recent years, with criminals increasingly using social media platforms, fake job advertisements and digital scams to lure unsuspecting young people into forced labour and exploitation.
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“Strengthening digital awareness and cross-border protection is key to curbing this modern form of slavery. We must educate our people that not every opportunity advertised online is genuine,” Mukhito said.
Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare Mary Navicha said most women and girls fall victim to trafficking because of financial difficulties.
“As long as people are desperate, syndicates will continue to exploit them. Ending this vice will require a collaborative effort between government, law enforcement, civil society and our regional partners,” Navicha said.
Mukhito said Malawi had registered 16 human trafficking cases in 2026 alone.
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He also said authorities had recorded 350,000 irregular movements along the country’s southern and eastern borders linked to human trafficking activities.
According to the Ministry of Homeland Security, Malawi remains both a source and transit country for human trafficking, with women and children among the most vulnerable groups.
Minister of Labour, Skills and Innovation Joel Chigona also urged citizens to exercise caution when seeking employment opportunities outside the country.
