Only seven Chinese granted citizenship

Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Wednesday February 24, 2016 14:38

 

The Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Edwin Batshu said after consideration of applications, the Citizenship Committee makes recommendations to the minister who makes the final decision.

He said the criteria for consideration of applications for citizenship are provided for by the Presidential Directive CAB 19 (b)/2002.

“For an applicant to qualify to be awarded citizenship, they must attain a minimum score of 70%,” he explained.

He stated that the applicants are assessed based on the skill (40%), level of investment or value of contribution (40%), spouse skills (10%) and other relevant considerations including proficiency in Setswana or any other ethnic language (10%).

Batshu was responding to a question from the Member of Parliament for Gaborone North, Haskins Nkaigwa, who had asked the minister to state the number of nationals of Indian and Chinese origins who have naturalised to be Batswana from 1966 to date and the criteria that is used to give citizenship to foreigners.

Batshu explained that it is possible for one to be denied citizenship even if his or her partner has been granted it.