INUA Advocacy has called for Malawi’s proposed new Refugee Bill to give refugees greater opportunities to work, run businesses and live independently.
Speaking to Yetu Community Radio, INUA Advocacy Chief Executive Officer Innocent Magambi said the organisation expects the proposed law to move away from restrictions contained in the current Refugees Act.
“Our expectations are very high,” Magambi said, adding that the new legislation should place greater emphasis on the lives and rights of refugees.
Among the changes INUA Advocacy wants to see are provisions allowing refugees to establish businesses and seek employment so they can earn an income and support their families.
The organisation is also calling for pathways that would allow refugees to settle and integrate in Malawi, as well as access to citizenship for people who meet the requirements under Malawi’s citizenship laws.
Magambi said expanding opportunities for refugees to support themselves has become increasingly important as humanitarian assistance declines.
Malawi’s current refugee framework has long been criticised by refugee rights organisations over restrictions on movement, employment and integration. INUA Advocacy has been among the organisations pushing for changes to the 1989 Refugees Act.
The review of the Act has been underway through a Special Law Commission. In June, INUA Advocacy reported that the Commission had completed consideration of feedback from a national validation workshop held in December 2025 and was preparing a draft Bill based on recommendations from the review.
According to Yetu Community Radio, the Malawi Law Commission is expected to make the proposed Refugee Bill public on 9 October 2026.
The proposed legislation is expected to replace the current Refugees Act.
