LILONGWE, Malawi — The Malawi Government requires more than K24 billion to facilitate the repatriation of approximately 15,000 Malawians stranded in South Africa following a wave of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals.
According to a budget statement prepared by the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) and seen by MIJ Online, authorities are racing against time to bring affected Malawians home safely while providing humanitarian support during the process.Shepherd Bushiri Calls for National Unity in Support of Returning Malawians
Transport Takes Largest Share of Budget
The budget estimates show that K16.8 billion will be needed for transportation alone, making it the largest expenditure in the repatriation exercise.
Of this amount:
K14.5 billion has been allocated for hiring buses to transport returnees from South Africa to Malawi.
K2 billion is earmarked for transport support and logistics.
K83.5 million will be used for fuel.
Government officials say the transportation component is critical given the large number of citizens requiring assistance and the long distance involved.
Reception and Humanitarian Assistance
Upon arrival in Malawi, returnees will require immediate humanitarian support, prompting the government to allocate K1.1 billion for reception services.
The allocation includes:
K792 million for food assistance.
K141 million for temporary shelter.
K108 million for social protection services.
Authorities say many of the affected Malawians have lost their livelihoods, personal belongings, and sources of income during the attacks, making reintegration support essential.
Coordination and Camp Management Costs
The budget further indicates that K2.4 billion will be needed to support coordination teams managing the repatriation operation.
Disaster management experts say coordination between Malawi and South African authorities will be crucial to ensure a smooth and safe repatriation process.
More Than 800 Already Repatriated
The government has already begun bringing citizens back home, with 819 Malawians repatriated so far.
According to the budget statement, the initial phase of the operation has already cost K787.6 million, highlighting the significant financial burden facing the government as it scales up efforts to assist thousands more people.
Human rights groups and migrant advocacy organizations have repeatedly called for stronger protection measures for foreign workers and residents, warning that recurring attacks continue to threaten lives and livelihoods.
For Malawi, the crisis presents both a humanitarian and economic challenge, as authorities seek resources to support affected citizens while managing the logistics of one of the country’s largest repatriation operations in recent years.
Government Appeals for Support
With the estimated cost exceeding K24 billion, analysts say the government may need support from development partners, humanitarian agencies, and other stakeholders to successfully complete the repatriation exercise.Should Malawi Consider Foreign Judges to Fight Corruption?
As thousands of Malawians await safe passage home, the coming weeks are expected to test the country’s disaster response capacity and commitment to protecting citizens abroad.
