02 Apr 2014

Kweneng South MP, Dr John Seakgosing has emphasised the need to jealously safeguard the country, adding that terrorism is rife all over the world.

Debating the Immigration (Amendment) Bill presented to Parliament by Minister of Labour Mr Edwin Batshu on March 31, Dr Seakgosing said the terror network was all over and required the country to be able to identify those who visited under the disguise of investment.

Dr Seakgosing said the decision to declare someone a PI was done after all due process had been followed. Kgatleng West MP, Mr Gilbert Mangole said they needed to ensure that the country was protected but should not ask themselves too many questions on why people were declared PIs, noting that some decisions were too secretive.

He noted that no one could question a decision as long as there was transparency, adding that it appeared the country’s Immigration laws were just too restrictive and prohibitive for foreigners.

Mr Mangole said the involvement of the security agency, the Directorate of Intelligence and Security Services (DISS) on such matters was worrisome as the minister was often forced to act on declaring a person a PI without knowing what the agency found out about the said person.

He said there should be Immigration laws and policies that are friendly to investors and added that it is not free for all. Ngwaketse West MP, Mr Mephato Reatile said those who came to the country should not abuse all the freedom and start undermining Batswana.

He said deportations are therefore in order if such people are undesirable elements, noting that putting them through the court processes will delay other important cases.

Mr Reatile said even countries with advanced democracies also do deport people on the slightest of mistakes.

He suggested that information should be shared of those who are declared PIs on matters of criminality such as drug trafficking but not on sensitive national security matters. ENDS