Junior immigration officers from the Central Region have threaten to go on an indefinite strike by Thursday this week if management will not address five issues; promotions, allowances and mistreatment in the hands of senior officers.
The junior officers penned a letter to Regional Immigration Officer on May 9, 2020 for the Center to address their concerns by Wednesday May 13, 2020.
The letter suggest that some junior officers have worked for over eight years and are still at the rank of constable.
The junior officer’s ranks are constable, sergeant and Sub-Inspector in that order.
“There are a lot of junior officers who haven’t been promoted ever since they joined the department. They are still constables to date, some even eight years after recruitment. Promotion motivates workers in every environment as it shows that their work and efforts are appreciated. Sir you may wish to be reminded there are no constables in Malawi Prison and [Malawi] Police Service,” reads in part the letter titled junior officers concerns.
The letter also says the junior officers want a hike in allowances for border patrol, road block as well as risk allowances, and that these allowances should be deposited in their personal accounts at least a day before departure for an operation.
It also questions the disparity in border patrol allowances with their colleague Malawi Police Service who pockets K80,000 more than what they get saying the development is disappointing.
“We are wondering as to why we are receiving K160,000 while our colleagues of the Malawi Police Service are getting K240,000 with a huge difference of K80, 000,” it says.
The junior officers have also made new demands for risk allowances in the wake of the novel COVID-19 pandemic saying it is a public health issue hence those on border patrol and roadblock should be given these allowances.
On the issue of mistreatment of officer, the junior officers want full backing of the management in difficult situations just like their counterparts in the Malawi Prison, Malawi Police and MDF.
Immigration and Citizenship Services Department spokesperson, Joseph Chauwa said he is aware of the matter and that the management is on the ground to look at the issues raised.
“Currently management is engaging officers in all formations to update them on the issues raised,” said Chauwa.
