Massive deportations looming, govt denies

Bame Piet | Thursday January 29, 2015 16:55

 

The State-owned Daily News published on Tuesday a list of names summoning the individuals to report to the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs (MLHA) by February 10.

The publication also shows the companies where the concerned individuals are working.  A source at the Department of Immigration and Citizenship has revealed that security agencies recently made disturbing findings with regard to issuance and renewal of work and residence permits for many foreigners working in Botswana.

“Apparently, there is a syndicate that makes a killing in fast tracking processing of permits for some people, disregarding the laid down procedures and the ministry is trying to establish which of the permits were acquired through unscrupulous routes,” said an employee at MLHA who preferred not to be mentioned by name.

While many companies have recently expressed concern about delays in issuance of permits, complaining of the slow screening process, leading to loss of opportunities and project delays, there are some individuals who have found a way of bypassing the law, said the source. However, the Minister of Labour and Homes Affairs Edwin Batshu dismissed the fears saying the individuals are not facing any serious disciplinary charges.

“They are not going to face any disciplinary hearings, but there are a number of issues that they will have to clarify in connection with their permits,” said Batshu shortly before he referred our enquiries to Director of Immigration and Citizenship Mabuse Pule. Efforts to get a comment from Pule proved futile as his phone rang unanswered at time of going to press.