01 Mar 2017

Some legislators have expressed concern at the way visa and citizenship applications, work and residence permits are processed in Botswana.

They voiced their concern while making contributions to the budget proposals for the Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs in Parliament on February 28.

Contributing to the debate, Selebi Phikwe West MP, Mr Dithapelo Keorapetse said Botswana’s immigration policy should be reviewed and made more liberal like those of other countries.

Mr Keorapetse said it was disturbing that many foreigners were declared prohibited immigrants while others were deported from the country under unclear reasons.

“These incidents have increased. The President must be compelled to disclose reasons for declaring people prohibited immigrants,” he said.

MP Keorapetse also complained that some foreigners had been put under visa restrictions, arguing that the Directorate of Intelligence and Security Services should be removed from the vetting of visa applications and residence permits.

MP for Francistown South, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi said he was concerned that the number of foreigners being denied residence permits was rising.

MP for Nata-Gweta, Mr Polson Majaga said work permits should be granted faster.

Francistown East MP, Mr Buti Billy said applications for citizenship took a long time to be approved, which end up inconveniencing people.

MP for Kanye North, Mr Patrick Ralotsia asked for the number of years required for a person to have lived in Botswana before acquiring citizenship to be reduced.

Nationality, immigration and gender affairs minister, Mr Edwin Batshu had stated that 3 339 work permits application were rejected from a total of 14 551 during the current financial year.

Mr Batshu also said 854 visa applications were rejected from a total of 7 125. ENDS