The International Labour Organisation (ILO) estimates that there are between 15 and 30 million people who are economically active in a country which is not their own are there in an irregular situation, “having entered the country clandestinely and/or being illegally employed.“ Undocumented migrant workers, are, as realised by the ILO, are vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. Although this is well known, the exact extent of the problem remains unknown, because of the nature of the situation, and specifically, its sensitivity.
Like many other countries, Botswana has a very vibrant community of undocumented migrant workers, comprised of nationals of various countries across the African region. Most undocumented migrants work in the informal sector, in order to keep themselves well nourished, and as economically independent as possible. The ILO has established a set of standard to ensure that migrant workers are accorded the enjoyment of basic protection, even when they are undocumented or are employed illicitly. This notwithstanding, a lot of informal sector workers have been affected, most direly by the COVID-19 interventions.
