Passport data intact, disregard fake news circulating- Immigration authorities say

Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services has refuted media reports in circulation alleging that all passport data is lost following the recent hacking saga.

The reports contradicted Immigration Authorities who few days ago indicated that 90 percent of the data has been recovered.

In a statement which immigration authorities have released, the data is intact.

“Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services wishes to categorically refute allegations circulating on various media platforms that its Passport Issuance System has completely been destroyed and that data for passport holders has been lost. These allegations are without merit and inappropriate considering the progress that has been made, especially now that Malawi citizens are looking forward to the quick resumption of passport services,”
reads the statement in part.

The department has since urged members of the general public to remain hopeful as progress has been made towards establishing lasting solutions that will ensure the resumption of passport issuance in all the passport printing centers within its establishments.

“It is without question that all matters relating to passports are very sensational and have a bearing on national security, social and economic development, and the integrity that is attached to the passport as a trusted international travel document that verifies the identity and nationality of the respective holder, ” reads the statement.

The authority has opined that such, spreading of unnecessary false information regarding the Malawi passport only seek to cause unnecessary panic.