By Edward Manyera
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services on Monday said it has processed 123 applications since they launched the online visa service on November 1, 2019.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA) Public Relations Officer for the department, Joseph Chauwa said the online service is effective as it consumes less amount of time in processing the documents as applicants are now accessing them from everywhere by just going online.
“The system is now on the ground and working properly. The current service is very easy since it is very accessible and convenient to the applicants.
“So far, we have not encountered any problem. We have managed to process a number of applications and applicants are also managing to pay via online,” said Chauwa.
Chauwa said the usage of manual process created a big blow when the documents of the applicant went missing as it took more time to inform the applicant to resubmit the application.
“The biggest problem that time was that visa processing was done manually and the applicant had to send the application directly to us,” he said.
Chauwa expressed his delight with the new system, saying it is a great achievement to the department and the entire country.
“We are proud that we have joined the list of the countries that offer Visa services online.
“As a country, it is a huge milestone in terms of the promotion of tourism because the more we are easily accessed through online, it means those people who intend to come to Malawi can easily access us,” he added.
The Department of Immigration introduced an online Visa service with an aim of trying to ensure timeliness and efficiency in facilitating travel to Malawi.
Through the Malawi online Visa service, applicants are able to register and login on the e-visa platform, fill and submit an application, upload supporting documents including applicant’s photo and pay the visa fees in advance in line with new payment arrangements.