The legal issue usually determines which area and institution applies. Labor law covers employment contracts, pay, working time, leave, workplace safety, worker representation, disputes and termination. Immigration law regulates entry, stay, work, study, business, protection, permanent residence and citizenship for foreign nationals; a visa or eVisa permits entry or re-entry but does not by itself authorise employment, long-term residence or business activity. Criminal law governs offences, investigations, trials and sanctions under the Constitution, the Penal Code and other statutes. Consumer protection addresses misleading information, unsafe products, unfair trading and unfair contract terms, with the Competition and Fair Trading Commission handling many general complaints and sector regulators handling specialised services. Civil law governs contracts, land, family matters, inheritance, personal injury and other private claims. Courts, traditional institutions, mediation and arbitration may handle civil disputes depending on the subject and the parties involved. The correct authority, document, deadline and available remedy depend on the specific facts, the people involved and the legal area concerned.
Law in Malawi
Law in Malawi governs relationships between people, organisations, companies and public authorities. Its main areas include employment, immigration, criminal offences, consumer dealings and private disputes. The Constitution provides the highest legal standard, while legislation, common-law principles and, in some matters, customary law determine rights, duties and procedures.
Tip
Start by classifying the problem as employment, immigration, criminal, consumer or civil law, because the responsible institution and useful evidence will differ. Record the facts and preserve the relevant documents before contacting an authority, provider or other party. Obtain qualified legal advice promptly when an accusation, immigration status, employment loss or serious financial consequence is involved.