The Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services has revoked a Malawi diplomatic passport previously issued to Sudan national Gamal Younos Mohammed Younos, citing irregularities in its issuance and non-compliance with provisions of the Malawi Citizenship Act.
This comes after the government revoked the diplomatic passport of Nigerian businessman Dozy Mmobuosi.
Minister of Homeland Security Ezekiel Ching’oma has confirmed the development.
“We are up to speed in terms of protecting the integrity of our security document, namely the Malawi Passport. We keep moving and winning,” Ching’oma said
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According to a letter dated April 17, 2025, signed by acting Director General Macloud Anametuma Kalindang’oma, the diplomatic passport number is MWD001408.
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“Records in our custody confirm that you have not acquired Malawi citizenship in accordance with the Malawi Citizenship Act. Possession of a Malawi diplomatic passport is a privilege strictly reserved for Malawian citizens who meet the eligibility criteria,” the letter reads.
The department has since ordered Younos to surrender the passport within seven days of the notification, either to the nearest immigration office or any Malawi diplomatic mission abroad.
The authorities have warned that failure to comply with the directive may lead to legal consequences under the country’s laws.
The development follows what immigration officials describe as an “internal review” aimed at verifying compliance in the issuance of travel documents—particularly those carrying diplomatic status.
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This is not the first time Malawi’s immigration system has come under scrutiny.
Over the past decade, there have been several cases involving irregular issuance of citizenship and passports, prompting calls for stronger internal vetting processes and reforms in the Immigration and Citizenship Services Department.
Observers say this latest move signals renewed efforts to tighten controls amid growing concerns over misuse of diplomatic privileges and the integrity of Malawi’s passport system.
Records show that Gamal Younos Mohammed Younos registered his town of origin as Wadnedani, District
However, he indicated the current address as Eswatini–Elzalwini.
Malawi is among 36 countries that United States (US) President Donald Trump is considering for visa bans or other travel restrictions if they fail to adhere to set requirements.
A memo by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio sent to US diplomats states that the USA has given the countries 60 days to meet the requirements.
According to the memo, the countries have large numbers of citizens who overstayed in the USA and lack a competent central government authority to produce reliable identity documents.
Malawi and its neighbours, Tanzania and Zambia, could face a potential ban.
The list also includes the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Angola, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
The others are Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Egypt, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Mauritania, Niger, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, South Sudan and Uganda.
