The Government of Malawi is preparing a voluntary repatriation programme for citizens affected by recent unrest in South Africa.
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The Government of Malawi says it is preparing a voluntary repatriation programme for its citizens affected by recent attacks and demonstrations targeting African migrants in parts of South Africa.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said it is closely monitoring the situation, working through its diplomatic missions, and engaging Malawian community structures in South Africa to assess the impact of the unrest.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation would like to inform the public that it is aware of and has been following with keen interest reports of vigilante demonstrations and attacks on African Migrants in some parts of the Republic of South Africa,” the Ministry said.
It added that Malawian diplomatic offices in Pretoria and Johannesburg have been in contact with diaspora leaders to provide support and gather information on affected nationals.
“Through the Malawian High Commission in Pretoria and Consulate General in Johannesburg, the Ministry has been in contact with leaders of Malawian diaspora groups in South Africa in order to assess the situation and provide the necessary support to those affected,” it said.
The Ministry further confirmed that diplomatic engagement has been ongoing between Malawi and South Africa, describing discussions as constructive and reflective of long-standing relations between the two countries.
“Since the onset of the demonstrations and attacks, the Ministry has undertaken several diplomatic initiatives to engage with the Government of the Republic of South Africa on the matter,” the Ministry said, adding that it applauds the positive high-level engagements held with the Government South Africa, which were conducted in a cordial and candid manner.
According to the Ministry, the South African government has already begun taking steps to address concerns raised by Malawi.
“The Ministry also commends the Government of the Republic of South Africa for taking decisive steps to address the concerns raised by the Republic of Malawi,” it said.
Central to Malawi’s response is the planned voluntary repatriation programme, which will assist citizens who have chosen to return home.
“The Government is making necessary arrangements and undertaking the required processes to provide consular support to Malawians affected by the attacks in some parts of South Africa,” the Ministry said.
“The Government will soon commence a voluntary repatriation exercise for Malawian nationals that have requested Government support for their return home.”
The Ministry stressed that the initiative is strictly voluntary and targeted only at those who have requested assistance.
“The repatriation exercise is intended only for Malawian nationals who have voluntarily indicated their willingness to return home and require logistical support from the Government,” the statement said.
Authorities also warned Malawians in South Africa to remain vigilant and avoid individuals or groups falsely claiming to represent the government in arranging repatriation.
“The Government has not engaged any individual or institution to handle the repatriation exercise on its behalf,” it said, urging citizens to take precautions against possible fraud.
Malawian nationals have been advised to contact the High Commission in Pretoria or the Consulate General in Johannesburg for verified information as preparations for the programme continue.
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