Citizenship raises flurry of questions in parly

NELSON DIRENG
Correspondent | Friday November 25, 2011 00:00

 

Saleshando asked the question following recent developments at the Department of Immigration and Citizenship where several people were denied the e-passport on the grounds that they had to renounce one of their parents' citizenship.

His question was an addition to Kgatleng-West MP Gilbert Mangole's question in Parliament.

Mangole had wanted to know whether it was true that some Batswana are being stripped of their citizenship when they apply for the e-passport.

Batshu said that he was not aware of any Batswana that had been stripped of their citizenship when they tried applying for the e-passport.

However, he said that it had been realised that some people who have enjoyed dual citizenship had not renounced one of their citizenships when they turned 21, contrary to Section 15 of the Citizenship Act.

He said where such people fail to comply with the law they would cease to be Batswana. 'However, the law also provides for such persons to apply for resumption of Botswana citizenship,' he said, adding that the processing of applications for resumption of citizenship had been on going even before the introduction of the e-passport.

However, Saleshando asked Batshu why his concern seemed to be only on those that held dual citizenship and not those that had a Motswana and non-Motswana parent but only held Botswana citizenship.

Batshu reiterated that the law only affected those with dual citizenship. 'I don't think there are any people who have had such problems when both their parents are Batswana and were in Botswana when they were born,' he said.

Batshu advised Saleshando to approach the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs for assistance if there was anyone he knew who is experiencing this problem whilst both their parents are Batswana and were in Botswana when they were born.

Saleshando asked Batshu what the government was planning to do to set the record straight and to avoid unnecessary litigation over the matter as certain citizens were considering going to court over the matter.

'Is it also allowed for any citizen to access records that would show people who have turned 21 and have not renounced one of their citizenships?' he asked.

Batshu said the ministry, after realising the confusion, released a public statement on Tuesday.

'I am thankful that Saleshando posed this question,' he said adding that from here they would spread the message to other Batswana through different means.

Batshu however said that it was unnecessary for individuals to access records concerning people's citizenry. He said that this was the responsibility of the ministry and that the ministry would exercise its responsibility.