26 Mar 2024

There has been a significant decrease of work permit holders in the country over the past nine years.

Statistics Botswana briefs released this month indicate that between 2013 and 2022, work permits holders in the country decreased from 7 209 to 3 850.

The brief says the numbers reduced from 4 354 in 2022 to 2 965 in 2023.

The Statistics Botswana report also shows that there were more Zimbabweans holding work permits in Botswana at the end 2022 than nationals of any other country.

Out of the 3 850 valid permits in the hands of foreign nationals, 1 715 were Zimbabweans, followed by South Africans at 402, Zambians 161, Malawians 69, Ghanaians 29, while other African nations accounted for 422 permits.

As for nations outside Africa, the Indian sub-continent accounts for 330 permits, China 329, other Asian countries 180, Britain 45, other European countries 54 while other countries account for 103 permits issued.

From all the work permits holders, employed persons account for 77 per cent, while self-employed persons account for 23 per cent.

The statement says overall, there are more males than female permit holders, adding that employee work permit holders consisted of those holding new work permits and those whose work permits had been renewed.

In terms of age distribution of work permit holders, it shows that the highest number was recorded in the 40 to 44 age group, followed by the 45 to 49 and 35 to 39 age groups.

The highest proportion of work permit holders are registered for agriculture, followed by education and construction.

As for the self-employed work permit holders’ category, wholesale and retail trade leads other industries, followed by construction and manufacturing industries.

According to the report, the brief presents a summary on characteristics of expatriates who held valid work permits as at the end of December 2022.

The report was produced in collaboration with the Department of Labour and Social Security, which is responsible for issuing work permits. Ends