EFFECTIVENESS OF THE MALAWI INTEGRATED BORDER CONTROL SYSTEM

Abstract

Border management information systems are used throughout the world in order to enhance border control and migration management. In 2013, the Department of Immigration in Malawi also introduced its own border information system known as the Integrated Border Control System (IBCS) with the aim of using specialist technology for border control tasks such as clearing passengers and detecting illegal immigrants mainly due to the increase in traveler volume as well as to deal with the use of fraudulent identities. Despite the importance of such a system, no study on its effectiveness has been conducted since its introduction. The main objective of this study was therefore to evaluate the effectiveness of the IBCS in facilitating clearance of travelers at the two international airports, Kamuzu and Chileka in Malawi. The study was guided by the Delone and Mclean Information Systems success model. It employed a mixed method approach to collect data from 52 users of the system. The study found that the system was effective in facilitating clearance of travelers since the quality of the system was good and produced information which was relevant to their day to day duties. However, the system required some modifications and additional features. The findings also reiterate the need for management support to deal with the challenges of using and extending the use of the system to other border posts.