The American Embassy has exposed fraudulent visa applications involving forged Malawi government
About six people are allegedly involved in the issue.
US Embassy Public Affairs Officer Namita Biggins declined to give the details saying visa records are confidential under US law.
But Director of Public Prosecutions Masauko Chamkakala has confirmed the developments with Malawi News.
“We have referred them to the relevant investigation institution, the police,” Chamkakala said.
Malawi Police Services spokesperson Peter Kalaya said they are currently investigating six people who are involved in the matter.
According to our sources, the embassy issued the visas for the individuals but cancelled them after its investigation discovered that the people involved were not civil servants.
We have gathered that the individuals, with help from officials at the ministries of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Agriculture managed to get authorization letters. They applied for the visas as if they had been invited to accompany President Lazarus Chakwera to the just-ended 2024 US-Africa Business Summit which took place in Dallas, Texas.
National Advocacy Platform chairperson Benedicto Kondowe has said the exposure of fraudulent visa applications involving forged Malawi government documentation indicates a significant breach.
“This situation could tarnish Malawi’s image internationally as it raises concerns about the integrity of its government processes and document security.
“Moreover, such incidents could potentially lead to more stringent visa application scrutiny and protocols for Malawian citizens,” he said.
He has since called for stronger government oversight and anti-corruption measures within Malawi to restore trust and maintain good diplomatic relations.
In February, Malawians who wanted to travel to the US for various reasons expressed concern with the few slots the embassy was allocation for Malawians getting visas.
But Biggins said then there are only a limited number of appointment slots available for each day.
As a result, applicants may need to wait longer than usual to secure an appointment for their visa interview.
She said the US law requires visa applicants to be interviewed by a Consular Officer at a US Embassy or Consulate, and appointments for interviews are made through a standardized online system on a first-come, first-served basis.
She said visa interviews and application decisions are conducted based on standards established in US law, which puts the burden on the applicant to demonstrate that she or he qualifies for the visa based on residence and ties to the home country.
