The government, through the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs, is moving at pace towards embracing labour migration as a way of unlocking economic growth and attracting a more skilled workforce to the country.
Minister of Labour and Home Affairs Major General (Retired) Pius Mokgware revealed the government’s plans on Tuesday while briefing the media in Gaborone.
Minister Mokgware said that although the country is faced with an influx of illegal immigrants who work under dubious arrangements involving fake permits, it is vital to properly document some of these workers.
“The refugees that I recently granted citizenship in Dukwi Refugee Camp included highly specialised medical doctors and lawyers, among others. They will bring skills to the benefit of the country. Labour migration is important.”
Mokgware noted that labour migration would also allow Batswana to work in other countries.
“The ministry has developed a National Migration Policy, which outlines a comprehensive framework for managing, regulating and controlling both regular and irregular migration, while balancing security and humanitarian goals,” he said.
Mokgware stated that the development of this policy is advanced and is scheduled to be brought to Parliament in due course, after which implementation will follow.
Minister Mokgware noted that the Immigration Act (Cap. 25:02) serves as the primary legal framework for migration. It provides provisions for addressing irregular migration, enforcing penalties for violations, as well as establishing pathways to regularise undocumented migrants.
To curb illegal migration, the minister highlighted that the ministry conducts joint border patrols with other law enforcement agencies and neighbouring countries. He also emphasised that communities along border lines are frequently educated on the effects of migration regarding security, statelessness, and the importance of safe and orderly movement. He noted that the ministry also holds regular bilateral joint security and cooperation meetings to discuss Memoranda of Understanding.
FAKE PERMITS
Meanwhile, Mokgware said there is a challenge of foreigners who work in the country through fake permits awarded by some employees of the ministry. He revealed that the ministry has suspended 13 of its employees over fake permits.
According to Mokgware, some foreigners are teaching through permits reserved for farm workers, adding that such foreigners and their employers will face the wrath of the law.
“The farm workers’ permits are being abused. We have charged companies such as Jindal for fake work permits. We will continue with raids and searches on more companies.”
“Work with illegal work permits undermines the security of the country and also compromises productivity. It is a risk for the economy to be flooded with fake, unqualified workforce,” said Mokgware.
