Malawi - Verification of asylum seekers in Luwani Refugee camp which started on 14 March was concluded on 24 March 2017. 3,073 individuals from the camp were verified. The remaining 462 may have returned spontaneously to Mozambique.

A biometric verification exercise started in Luwani refugee camp on March 14, 2017. The exercise is aimed at ensuring an improvement in the delivery of protection and assistance to Mozambican asylum seekers by updating their data to include occupation, skills, languages, education and specific needs. In consequence, UNHCR and the Government of Malawi will have accurate data on the most vulnerable, and will thus be better placed to target protection and assistance programs for persons with specific needs. As part of the verification exercise, the biometric information of each individuals is fully captured including fingerprint and Iris. Biometric data ensures that the identity of the person is safely stored over time thus guaranteeing protection and assistance to the person entitled thereto, as well as reliable and accurate statistics. All persons of concern verified, will be issued with family documents and new laminated ration cards.