Duma Boko, the new President of Zimbabwe, has pledged to welcome undocumented Zimbabweans in Botswana by formalizing their status with work and residence permits. This initiative aims to alleviate their legal vulnerabilities while enhancing the local economy through their skills, which are often essential but unattractive to local citizens.
Duma Boko, the newly inaugurated President of Zimbabwe, has announced that his administration is prepared to welcome undocumented Zimbabweans living in Botswana, aiming to legalize their status through the issuance of temporary work and residence permits. During a recent interview with the BBC, President Boko emphasized the importance of these individuals, stating, “They do jobs that would otherwise not get done.” This policy shift represents a significant change from previous administrations that often pursued deportations. Botswana is home to a large community of Zimbabweans, many of whom fled their country due to severe economic challenges exacerbated by hyperinflation. Although accurate figures are scarce, reports indicate that Zimbabweans constitute approximately 98% of irregular migrants in the nation. President Boko underscored that establishing formal recognition of these individuals could alleviate the limitations they face in accessing amenities and reduce illegal activities stemming from their undocumented status. Furthermore, President Boko views this initiative as a means to enhance his country’s workforce by allowing local citizens to learn essential skills, such as plumbing and welding, from Zimbabwean migrants. He elaborated, “In any and every construction site in Botswana the majority of people with those skills are from Zimbabwe, so we need to do a twin programme of allowing them to come in and we utilise the skills that they have.” Boko’s administration aims to create an environment where skilled workers from Zimbabwe can contribute legally and safely, thereby addressing the labor shortage and fostering economic revival. While this approach faced backlash over proposed identity card usage for cross-border travel, President Boko remains steadfast in his commitment to formalizing the status of undocumented Zimbabweans as a crucial step towards economic and social integration.
The context of President Boko’s initiative lies in the longstanding economic challenges faced by Zimbabwe, prompting many citizens to migrate to neighboring Botswana in search of better living conditions. Historically, Zimbabweans in Botswana have encountered a precarious existence, often living without legal status and facing potential deportation. Recognizing their contributions to labor sectors where domestic workers may be unwilling to participate, the new administration aims to transform their status from undocumented migrants to recognized, legal contributors to the economy. This shift also comes at a time when skills shortages are prevalent in Botswana, which could be mitigated by integrating Zimbabwean expertise into the local workforce.
In summary, President Duma Boko’s administration intends to transform the treatment of undocumented Zimbabweans in Botswana by granting them legal work and residence status. This policy aims not only to address humanitarian concerns but also to facilitate economic growth by leveraging the skills of Zimbabwean migrants. By fostering a structured integration process, the administration hopes to enhance the local economy while providing necessary support to those who have already contributed significantly to the workforce.
Original Source: www.theheritagetimes.com
