07 May 2017

The Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs states that it has noticed with concern the general statements in the local newspapers that either Shepherd Huxley Bushiri, a citizen of Malawi, has been essentially banned from entering Botswana or denied entry into the country.

A news release from the ministry states that contrary to the perception that has been created by the media that he has been banned or denied entry into Botswana, Pastor Bushiri is actually at liberty to enter Botswana at any time provided he has a visa.

The release states that he has not been declared a prohibited immigrant or persona-non-grata.

The release further states that generally, nationals of Malawi do not require visa to enter Botswana.

The release states, however, that Regulation 5 of the Immigration (Visa) Regulations, 2014 provides that the minister may by notice published in the Gazatte, declare that a national of a country whose citizens do not ordinarily require visa to enter Botswana, should obtain a visa to enter Botswana.

‘’To this effect, Shepherd Huxley Bushiri has been put on a visa list. This therefore means that whenever he needs to enter Botswana, he would have to apply for a visa,’’ states the release. ENDS