This article was originally published on Malawi24 ">Malawi24, Malawi's #1 independent news platform. A passport application could turn into a costly trap as fraudsters target desperate applicants with promises of faster processing. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services has warned applicants against dealing with middlemen, popularly known as “Madobadoba,” who allegedly demand large sums of money to fast-track passport applications. In a press release issued on Thursday, […] Read
A passport application could turn into a costly trap as fraudsters target desperate applicants with promises of faster processing.
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services has warned applicants against dealing with middlemen, popularly known as “Madobadoba,” who allegedly demand large sums of money to fast-track passport applications.
In a press release issued on Thursday, the department warned members of the public against paying individuals who claim to have the ability to fast-track passport applications or secure preferential treatment.
Applicants have been advised to follow official procedures and use only authorised payment channels.
The department’s National Public Relations Officer, Pasqually Zulu, confirmed that investigations into the malpractice are underway.
He said some suspected “Madobadoba” have already been apprehended, while investigators are also looking into possible involvement of immigration officers.
Zulu said the investigations have, however, been hampered by the reluctance of both the suspected middlemen and some affected applicants to provide information. He said the department is therefore strengthening mechanisms that allow members of the public to report suspected fraud anonymously.
“We cannot divulge more details at the moment because we don’t want to jeopardise or derail the investigations that are currently underway,” said Zulu.
He assured the public that the department remains committed to eliminating fraud and corruption from passport services.
Zulu further reminded applicants that all passport-related fees must be paid only through designated banks at official passport processing centres, and warned the public against dealing with individuals promising special treatment.
