09 Apr 2017

Parliament on April 6 passed the Immigration Amendment Bill that empowers the minister to grant permanent residence to non-citizen investors who have lived in Botswana for less than five years.

 

“The objective of the Bill is to amend the Immigration Act in order to empower the minister to grant the status of permanent residence to non-citizens who are investors and have resided in Botswana lawfully for a period of less than five years in order to promote job creation and

encourage foreign investment,” he said, further explaining that the status of permanent residence may also be extended to a non-citizen investor’s spouse and minor children.

 

Vice-President, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi also supported the Bill, explaining that the minister wanted to address immigration and work permit challenges.

 

He also said the Bill sought to promote foreign investment at a time when a variety of investors had been facing challenges when trying to secure residence and work permits for their employees.

 

Member of Parliament for Sefhare-Ramokgonami, Ms Dorcas Makgato said the changes would help to increase the level of inward investment, which would result in creation of more employment opportunities.

 

Her sentiments were shared by Okavango MP, Mr Bagalatia Arone, who said the Bill sought to implement the recommendations of a High Level Consultation Council to make the country’s immigration laws attractive for foreign investors.

 

“This is what we have long wanted to see, whereby we as a country facilitate foreigners to become residents in our country so that they could help to develop this country,” Mr Arone said.

 

Mmopane-Lentsweletau MP, Mr Vincent Seretse said amending the legislation would increase investor confidence in Botswana after there have been perceptions that Botswana was not welcoming to foreigners.

 

“We will see a change in the contribution to our economy from the investors who will be coming here because they will now be assured that they will stay longer,” he said.

 

Supporting the Bill, MP for Serowe West, Mr Tshekedi Khama said continuous rejection of work permits in the tourism sector has worked against the country, and expressed hope that the Bill would improve the situation.

 

Shashe West MP, Mr Fidelis Molao said denying people residence permits due to unexplained security reasons had denied the country investment in the past.

 

Francistown South MP, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi welcomed the Bill, saying it came at a time when it was a rigorous process for foreign investors and employees to acquire permits in Botswana, which had created uncertainty among investors.

 

MP for Mochudi West, Mr Gilbert Mangole suggested establishment of economic intelligence unit that would be responsible for attracting highly skilled individuals and investors to Botswana.

 

He welcomed the establishment of a sector specific board that would play a role in awarding of permanent residence and work permits to foreign investors and

employees. ENDS