Director General of Immigration and Citizenship Services, Masauko Medi has disclosed that at least 53 immigration officers from Lilongwe and Mwanza have tested positive to the coronavirus disease and that 12 are still fighting the pandemic and 41 have fully recovered.

Medi disclosed this in Lilongwe on Wednesday when United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) handed over Personal Protective Equipment PPEs) to the Department.

“Coronavirus has affected our operations tremendously by limiting the number of people working but on the other hand, the experience has helped to remove fear from the frontline workers who feel more equipped to continue with business as usual while still adhering to preventive measures,” said Medi.

He described the donation as very timely considering the vulnerability the office is in at the moment citing handling of returnees from South Africa as one of those vulnerable situations.

The donation will benefit about 200 officers from Mwanza, Dedza and the headquarters.

UNHCR Country Representative, Fatima Muhamad-Cole said the donation was meant to assist government in the fight against COVID-19.

She said the donation is a result of her office’s support in order for immigration officers to receive returnees in a conducive environment.

“UNHCR remains committed to providing support to immigration at all levels and will soon assist them with five motor bikes,” she said.

The items donated include face masks, computers, printers and refugee shelters.