12 Feb 2017

Members of Parliament on Friday (February 10) supported the motion requesting government to introduce dual citizenship.
The motion by MP for Francistown South, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi, comes a few days after the Minister of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs Mr Edwin Batshu presented the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill for first reading.
MP for Selebi Phikwe West, Mr Dithapelo Keorapetse said the motion should go ahead as the executive has in the past failed to bring Bills before Parliament as promised.
He said former MP for Gaborone Central, Mr Dumelang Saleshando’s Private Member’s Bills never made it as cabinet has promised to table the same Bills but that was never done.
He said Mr Saleshando came up with the Freedom of Information Bill and Declaration of Assets and Liabilities Bill but they were never passed as parliament was told the government was already working on them.
MP Keorapetse said a number of Batswana who studied abroad and decided to work there after completing their studies would also benefit as they remain patriotic but the current legislature bars them from acquiring citizenship of countries where they work.
For his part, MP for Gaborone Central, Dr Phenyo Butale said he does not understand how the motion could be counter-productive as it was adding value to the Bill which is yet to be brought before parliament.
He said the country stand to benefit as young professionals working in different countries want to return home but are hampered by the status quo.
Nata-Gweta MP Mr Polson Majaga also supported the motion saying a number of refugees in his constituency stand to benefit, including the Herero who have been in Botswana for many years. ENDS