The policy is in line with the Malawi Refugees Act enacted on April 26 1989 when the country was hosting Mozambicans who fled civil war in their country. The national refugee policy is trapping thousands of skilled people in dependency at a time humanitarian funding is declining. Under Malawi’s existing legal framework, refugees are not allowed to engage in formal employment or operate businesses outside Dzaleka Refugee Camp, formerly a notorious prison for perceived political dissidents. Despite their diverse skills, qualifications and aspirations, most are legally confined to a space where economic opportunities are extremely limited. At the same time, international humanitarian funding is declining, reducing the support that refugees have long relied upon to survive.