Youth-Watch Society Advocates Compassionate Approach to Illegal Immigration
YOWSO's approach emphasizes balancing law enforcement with humanitarian considerations in addressing this complex issue.
MZUZU, Malawi— The Youth Watch Society (YOWSO) is pushing for a more humane and comprehensive approach to addressing illegal immigration in Malawi, particularly in the Northern Region, writes Tionge Hara.
Muteyu Mukhuta Banda, Executive Director of YOWSO, told AfricaBrief that illegal immigrants should not be treated as criminals.
"These people broke laws by not having proper travel documents, but they're not inherently criminal," Banda said.
YOWSO suggests renovating idle buildings to house detained immigrants, especially when large groups with children are involved.
This proposal aims to alleviate pressure on overcrowded prisons where immigrants often await repatriation.
The organization's advocacy follows a July 29, 2024, Mzuzu High Court judgment limiting immigrant detention to 30 days.
Banda also recommended training immigration officers in investigative techniques to distinguish between illegal immigrants, those with other intentions, and asylum seekers.
Francis Chitambuli, Northern Region immigration spokesperson, cited resource constraints as a major challenge in prompt repatriation.
"We only have one vehicle that carries no more than 16 people, making it difficult to handle large groups," Chitambuli explained.
He added that illegal entry routes disrupt revenue collection from visa fees.
Mzuzu Prison's acting spokesperson, Gaoler Macbeth Wasambo, highlighted the strain on prison resources.
"Our annual budget of 514 million kwacha is drained when these people overstay," Wasambo said.
He noted concerns about hygiene, disease spread, and security risks due to overcrowding.
The Northern Region, with its numerous border crossing points, faces particular challenges in managing illegal immigration.
YOWSO's approach emphasizes balancing law enforcement with humanitarian considerations in addressing this complex issue.