Botswana’s newly elected President Duma Boko has announced groundbreaking plans to regularize undocumented Zimbabwean immigrants through temporary work and residence permits. The initiative aims to formalize the status of the nation’s second-largest immigrant community while addressing critical skills shortages.
The proposal, though potentially controversial, forms part of Boko’s broader economic revival strategy. The 54-year-old leader of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), who replaced President Mokgweetsi Masisi and ended the 58-year rule of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) , emphasizes the practical benefits of integrating Zimbabwean workers, particularly in construction and skilled trades.
Current statistics indicate Zimbabweans constitute 98 percent of irregular migrants, with over 13,000 recorded cases between 2021 and 2023. Daily deportations continue nationwide, affecting workers primarily employed in domestic and agricultural sectors.
Boko pleads for a dual approach combining legal immigration with skills transfer programs to benefit local workers. This strategy aligns with his ambitious job creation targets of 100,000 positions annually over five years, addressing Botswana’s 30 percent unemployment rate.
The president’s vision includes renegotiating diamond industry agreements and promoting entrepreneurship through improved access to financing and markets. While the immigration proposal faces potential public resistance, it represents a significant shift in regional migration policy and economic development strategy.