The Malawi Law Commission is currently preparing an amendment to the 1988 Refugees Act. These proposed legislative reforms aim to grant refugees the legal right to work, conduct business, and move freely within Malawi.
Officials intend for the changes to modify existing restrictions that currently limit the activities of individuals residing in the country. By updating the 1988 Refugees Act, the commission seeks to integrate these groups more fully into the national economy. Current regulations often confine populations to specific areas like Dzaleka in Dowa, but the new framework would alter these requirements to permit greater mobility across the nation. The drafting process for these legal adjustments remains underway as the commission evaluates the impact of the shift on domestic policy.
Consultations at Refugee Sites
The Law Commission conducted consultations at refugee sites to gather input on the proposed legislative updates. Officials visited locations including Dzaleka to engage directly with the resident population regarding the potential changes to the 1988 Refugees Act. These sessions allowed the commission to document the perspectives of those currently affected by movement and employment restrictions. The feedback collected from the sites in Dowa provides the commission with information on how the legal framework impacts daily operations for individuals living within the settlement. Representatives from the commission utilized these meetings to evaluate the practical implications of granting broader rights to work and travel. Data gathered from these interactions informs the ongoing drafting process as the government balances administrative requirements with the integration of refugee populations into the national economy.
Scope of Refugee Population
Malawi hosts an estimated total of more than 80,000 refugees and asylum seekers. This population resides across various parts of the country, with many currently subject to the 1988 Refugees Act, which restricts movement and employment.
The refugee population in Malawi includes more than 11,000 Burundian nationals. These individuals represent a significant portion of the total number of people currently living in the country under refugee or asylum seeker status.
The Law Commission intends to submit the amendment to Parliament for adoption before the end of 2026. The proposed legislative changes aim to formalize new rights for these groups, including the ability to seek employment and travel outside of designated areas like Dzaleka in Dowa. Officials are working to finalize the text of the amendment to ensure it aligns with the government's current policy objectives. Following the submission, Parliament will determine the final form of the legislation as it considers the integration of these populations into the national economy.