Work permit process frustrates Chinese envoy

He said yesterday that though Chinese companies are currently working on major projects worth over P2 billion in Botswana, it still takes a long and complex procedure to get a work permit. "If you are lucky, it takes three months to get a work permit. But on the other hand, time for the projects is very limited.  The taxpayer ends up paying a lot of money for delayed projects," he said.

Xiaowen said that in addition, it is a hassle to find skilled labourer in Botswana. He said the few skilled workers available shy away from working long hours in construction sites. "Many people here don't want to work in construction sites," he said.