07 Aug 2022

The Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs is undertaking consultations with the view to review the Citizenship Act.

Labour and home affairs minister, Ms Annah Mokgethi explained to Parliament that one of the objectives of the envisaged review was to address issues relating to dual citizenship.

She said the ministry in June held a meeting with key stakeholders such as the attorney general, Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, Botswana Police Service and Botswana Defence Force to brainstorm on some of the key aspects that could be considered when making amendments to provide for dual citizenship.

“My ministry will during the third quarter of the 2022/23 financial year engage with other countries to benchmark on their experiences on implementing dual citizenship. This will also assist us to shape and redefine key focus areas for reviewing the Citizenship Act,” said the minister.

She said the envisaged holistic review of the Citizenship Act would also address other potential challenges such as statelessness.

She added that she was aware that some Batswana experienced challenges on issues relating to dual citizenship.

“I, therefore, implore Honourable Members to encourage Batswana to seek assistance and facilitation from the different immigration offices in their respective areas,” said the minister.

Francistown West MP, Mr Ignatius Moswaane had asked the minister to state when they intended to review dual citizenship laws. He also asked whether the minister was aware that many Batswana were suffering due to the current Citizenship Act. ENDs