12 Feb 2017

The Minster of Nationality Immigration and Gender Affairs, Mr Edwin Batshu, met with the Citizenship Committee to discuss issues of mutual interest pertaining to the assessment of applications for citizenship.
A press release from the ministry says during the meeting, Mr Batshu thanked the committee for having volunteered to serve the country in such a crucial and sensitive task and implored them to continue to do their job objectively, avoiding undue influence.
He urged the committee to clear the backlog of applications and provide timely services to applicants.
Additionally, the release says Minister Batshu also shared government priorities of job creation, poverty eradication, fight against corruption, skills development and prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV/AIDS with the committee.
He also updated the committee on development of citizenship strategy and the proposed amendment of Immigration Act on dual citizenship, which was tabled during the current sitting of parliament.
Furthermore, as per the release, Mr Batshu urged the committee to continue doing its good work of objectivily assessing applications as this will assist him in making informed decision on applications.
He assured the meeting that he will talk to stakeholder ministries to fully participate in the committee for it to effectively execute its mandate.
In his remarks, as stated in the release, Citizenship Committee chairperson, Mr Simon Hirschfield shared challenges his committee meets while doing its work, pointing out the need for a citizenship strategy which will be the guiding document on issues of citizenship.
Mr Hirschfield also said his committee should be involved when amendments of Citizenship Act are made, because they affect its work.
He also called for full participation, in the committee’s work by stakeholder ministries for effective operation of the committee.
The Citizenship Committee was established by the Citizenship Act to consider all applications for citizenship and make recommendations to the  Minister of Nationality Immigration and Gender Affairs. ENDS