Documenting Malawian Migrants: A Missed Economic Opportunity for South Africa

In late 2020, during an official visit to South Africa, Malawi’s President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera appealed to President Cyril Ramaphosa to consider granting Malawians special residence and work permits, similar to those previously extended to citizens of Lesotho and Zimbabwe. The proposal was aimed at addressing the long-standing reality that a significant number of Malawians reside and work in South Africa without proper documentation.

Given South Africa’s current socio-economic and migration challenges, such an arrangement would be mutually beneficial. By regularising undocumented Malawians, the South African government would be able to bring a large informal workforce into the formal economy, enabling the collection of taxes through both labour and banking systems. This would not only improve state revenue but also enhance oversight, labour protections, and compliance with the law.

Estimates suggest that as many as one third of Malawi’s population now lives in South Africa, placing additional strain on public services and resources. Rather than allowing this large population to remain outside formal systems, documenting them would turn a migration challenge into an economic opportunity. It would allow South Africa to benefit directly from the contributions of Malawian migrants while promoting order, dignity, and fairness within the country’s immigration framework.

Published: 2025-12-29 16:16:18