10 Nov 2016

Government will get tough with illegal immigrants, the Minister of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs, Mr Edwin Batshu has said.  

Minister Batshu, who was addressing a kgotla meeting in Tlokweng this week, said they were declaring war against illegal immigrants and Batswana who accommodated them.

He regretted that many Batswana continued to offer illegal immigrants rented accommodation and aided them to stay in the country.

The minister pointed that some of the rented houses were used as safe places for stolen goods and some were used as hideouts. He cautioned that the ministry would have no mercy on Batswana who accommodated illegal immigrants.

He promised that the ministry would ensure that illegal immigrants returned to their home countries.

He noted that it was surprising that some of the illegal immigrants were from as far as Asian countries, but noted that majority of them were from neighbouring countries.

Mr Batshu said illegal immigrants soiled the peace and tranquillity that was synonymous with the country since many committed crimes.

He further cautioned that aiding an illegal immigrant was an offence that is punishable by law and could attract a prison sentence.

He regretted that some of the illegal immigrants could be notorious criminals on the run from their countries, yet locals find nothing wrong to deal with them.

The minister said the country however accepts immigrants into its boundaries, but they have to stay legally and work legally.

He pointed that some of the illegal immigrants were engaged on jobs which should be done by Batswana, hence saturate the market for locals.

During comments, some Batlokwa wished corporal punishment for illegal immigrants before they were deported.

While others called on fellow tribesman to desist from harbouring illegal immigrants as this could be risky to the country’s peace and stability.

For his part, South East District Council chairperson, Mr Phenyo Segokgo said cases of accommodating illegal immigrants were common in Tlokweng due to the area’s proximity to Gaborone and the area attracting many people.

Further, he said there was need for stakeholders to have a joint meeting on illegal immigrants and other related issues which cut across various ministries such as maintenance and manning of the boarder fences. ENDS