The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation says it will continue engaging the United States (US) Government through its embassy in Lilongwe on immigration and security matters, including the recently announced visa ban.
The ministry stated the position following US President Donald Trump’s proclamation on Tuesday that his country will from January 1, 2026, impose partial entry limits on Malawians and nationals from 14 other countries due to visa overstays.
Ministry spokesperson Charles Nkhalamba said the ban implies that Malawians who intend to travel to the US for business, tourism, education and exchange purposes will not be granted visas until it is lifted.
to use this existing framework. | Nation
He said: “These engagements have provided a constructive platform for dialogue, allowing both governments to raise concerns and address various challenges in a cordial and productive manner. The ministry will continue to use this existing framework to engage the United States Government on the recently announced visa ban and its implications for Malawians.”
The US Government quoted its Overstay Report as having established that Malawi had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 22.45 percent and an F, M and J visa overstay rate of 31.99 percent.
A B-1/B-2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa for temporary travel for business (B-1), tourism (B-2), or a combination of both, while the F, M, and J visa is for study and exchange programmes.
In July and August this year, the US introduced visa bonds ranging from $5,000 (about K8.7 million) to $15,000 (about K26 million) for Malawian business and tourist travellers.
Malawi’s former permanent representative to the United Nations (UN) Brian Bowler, in an interview yesterday, said most Malawians do not return from official duties and remain illegal.
“Some of them came on some form of government sponsored trips like attending the General Assembly at the UN and just don’t return. I think everybody would love to be at home in Malawi, all being equal. But what they seek is a better life and education,” said the former diplomat who also served as Ambassador to Brazil.
UK-based Malawian governance activist and businessperson Ahmed Dassu said while the restrictions are unfortunate, they are not unexpected.
He said higher costs and additional requirements on entry into the US will limit access to opportunities that strengthen skills, trade links and people-to-people relations built over many years.
Said Dassu: “Platforms such as the African Union and Southern Africa Development Community can help in articulating shared concerns through dialogue with the US. Sustained engagement and consultation are important to ensure that such measures do not unintentionally weaken long-standing partnerships or create space for other global actors like China to expand their influence in the region.”
Master Dicks Mfune, a governance, peace and security expert from Malawi School of Government, said overstaying stems from a complex interplay of political, economic, social and governance factors both within Malawi and in destination countries.
“The Malawian government can work with the US Embassy to ensure visa applicants demonstrate strong ties to Malawi, such as employment, property, or family obligations, to reduce the likelihood of overstaying,” he said.
But George Chaima, an expert in government, public planning and international policy, said the US decision “is just too much” since it does not only promote politics of isolation and discrimination, but also violates international relations protocol.
