By Thom Ali

Lilongwe, February 19, Mana: Malawi government through the Ministry of Labour has condemned the employment of expatriates by some organizations in the country, noting that the practice violates labour laws and the rights of Malawians.

Speaking during an inspection tour in Lilongwe, Minister of Labour Vitumbiko Mumba said the employment of expatriates hinders Malawians from securing jobs in the same positions.

"We cannot talk of job creation by employing expatriates when we have Malawians who are qualified for similar positions. We need to prioritize local talents to ensure jobs are created for Malawians,” Mumba emphasized.

Condemning such illegal practices in the country, Mumba noted that foreign investors often employ expatriates instead of utilizing local talent.

The Minister further said expatriates are only required to work in the country for a given period for skills transfer and knowledge sharing, after that period the expatriates are expected to give opportunities to local talents.

He also emphasized that expatriates must obtain work permits and visas and register with the relevant authorities in the country.

Malawi Engineering Institution Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Arthur Wengawenga said the institution is mandated to regulate engineering in the country, as such permitted expatriates in engineering are required to register with MEI with a given limited period to work in Malawi.

"As a regulatory institution, we are required to examine expatriates in the engineering sector, to verify qualifications and register them with MIE," he said.

Wengawenga urged all illegal expatriates in the country to register with their respective bodies, or risk deportation.

Since taking office, the Minister of Labour has been conducting inspection tours across the country to expose labor exploitation by foreign investors. Among the issues identified are low wages for local workers, hazardous working conditions, inadequate food provisions, lack of protective gear in factories, and incidents of sexual and verbal abuse.