ASSESSMENT CRITERIA – WORK & RESIDENT PERMITS

WORK AND RESIDENCE PERMITS

The Employment of Non-Citizens Act and the Immigrant Act embody the Government Policy on the employment of non-citizens and their residence in Botswana as well as other engagement for reward or profit. In terms of the Policy, Batswana must be given priority in the recruitment for job opportunities that occur in the economy. Where suitable qualified citizens are not available, suitably qualified non-citizens may be employed. Once non-citizens have been employed, localization plans are required.

The Regional and National Immigrants Selection Boards should be able to make decisions on the basis of the Information the have and below are some key points:

  1. 1.Decisions on applications shall be made and communicated to applicants within two (2) weeks.
  2. 2.VISAS

i)i)All non-citizens, unless otherwise stated (first schedule visa Immigration Regulations) must apply for visa to enter Botswana. Visa applications can be submitted at all Botswana Diplomatic Missions abroad. An arrangement has been made with the British Government that where there is no Botswana British Diplomatic Missions for transmission to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. Applications are decided in Gaborone Botswana.

ii)ii)Employers can submit on behalf of employees, subject to the employee filling out the application form.

iii)iii)Visas take an average of seven (7) days to decide on but may take longer if a large number is submitted at the same time.

iv)iv)The Minister can exempt individuals or a class of individuals from requiring a visa.

  1. 3.Security Considerations

--All applicants from countries on the visa list for the purpose of entering Botswana will go for automatic security checks before their application s are considered by the Regional immigrants Selection Boards.

--All applicants from countries which are not on the list for the purpose of entering Botswana will be decided upon by the Regional Immigrants Selection Boards before submission to security.

--Application stating that permits may be cancelled in case the applicant fails to meet the security requirements (stamp to be used).

--All renewal applications shall be considered by the Boards without reference to security.

  1. 4.Non-availability of Suitable Skills in the Labour Market through advertising and/or job seekers register.

--Job seekers are required to register at District Labour Offices for job opportunities arising in the labour market. If no citizens with requisite skills for specific jobs are listed the register, It shall be assumed that such skills are not available for the purpose of processing applications for work and residence permits.

--Inspections and investigations prior to consideration by the boards should not impact negatively on the set turnaround time.

--Complaints by citizens relating to recruitment process (advertising, interviews and selection) should go through the normal process of grievance and dispute handling. Decisions on work and residence permits applications should not await the outcome of the complaint.

  1. 5.Whether the applicant meets the job requirements as advertised.

--Certificates, experience (reference, certificates of service)

--Clearance from relevant institutions/professional organization where relevant

--Offer employment

--Experience in the absence of formal qualifications may be considered and this principle must apply to both citizens and non-citizens.

The advertisement must clearly state that the position may be filled by someone who meets the training qualifications and experience formal qualification but qualification and or experience only.

Ideal details of the employing company or the recruiting company.

--Full details of the employing company or the recruiting company.

Name

Address

Contact No

--Job summary

--Minimum requirement

Qualification

Experience

--Closing package and benefits

--Closing date

  1. 6.Authenticity of Information and documents supplied.

--All documents should be certified

  1. 7.Progress on training for localization (renewals)

--Readiness of a citizen to localize.

  1. 8.Authority to apply while in Botswana

The Immigration Act requires that applications be made from outside the country, however, the Chief Immigration Officer/Director of Immigration and Citizenship can authorize submission from within.

  1. 9.Compliance with all Botswana Laws e.g. non-discrimination.
  2. 10.The Board may call for any additional information.