International Organization for Migration and the Government of Malawi have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening migration governance, border security, and refugee management amid growing pressure on the country’s systems.

Earlier this week, the new IOM Chief of Mission to Malawi, Fatma Ismail Said, paid a courtesy call on Minister of Homeland Security Peter Mukhito at Capital Hill in Lilongwe.

During the meeting, Fatma Ismail Said reaffirmed IOM’s continued support to Malawi in areas including migration governance, border security, dignified repatriation programmes, and safe labour migration pathways within Africa.

Among the key commitments discussed were plans to expand the MIDAS border management system, modernise border pass systems to improve cross-border trade, and strengthen support for the repatriation and reintegration of migrants.

Minister Mukhito commended IOM for its ongoing partnership with Malawi but warned that the country is facing increasing migration pressures amid declining donor support.

According to the minister, Malawi currently hosts more than 60,000 refugees and asylum seekers, with Dzaleka Refugee Camp alone accommodating over 62,000 people despite originally being designed for around 10,000 residents.

The minister also noted that Malawi continues to receive between 300 and 400 asylum seekers every month, mainly from the Great Lakes region and the Horn of Africa.

He explained that the growing movement of people is placing significant pressure on national systems, including correctional facilities that are now holding increasing numbers of migrants under difficult conditions.

Mukhito stressed the importance of stronger international cooperation and sustainable support to help Malawi manage migration challenges while maintaining humanitarian standards and national security.

Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration aimed at promoting safe, orderly, and humane migration management in Malawi and across the region.