A foreigner is a person belonging to or owing allegiance to a foreign country. chiefly dialectal one not native to a place or community: stranger sense 1c.
All expatriate workers who wish to take up employment in Botswana need to apply for a work permit. No noncitizens of Botswana may engage in any occupation unless they have been granted a work permit for Botswana under the Employment of the Non-Citizens Act or are the holder of a certificate of exemption.
Obtaining a work permit for Botswana is not the simplest of processes. The regulations are somewhat ambiguous and great emphasis is placed on the officials and immigration board in deciding further requirements and decisions.
Professional help saves time, and frustration and can only increase your chances of success.
Who needs to apply for a work permit for Botswana?
All expatriate workers who wish to take up employment in Botswana need to apply for a work permit.
No noncitizens of Botswana may engage in any occupation unless they have been granted a work permit for Botswana under the Employment of the Non-Citizens Act or are the holder of a certificate of exemption.
It is further stated that no employer shall engage a noncitizen if the citizen is not a holder of a work permit for Botswana or the holder of a certificate of exemption.
How difficult is the process?
A quick internet search will reveal that whilst the Botswana government recognizes the benefits of engaging expatriate skills that are not available there are huge frustrations with the work permit process and lots of ambiguity.
How does the process work for obtaining a work permit for Botswana?
- Compiling your application
The first step is compiling the actual application. Some of the included items need to be:
- Employer requirements
- Proof of the employer’s attempt to recruit Botswana citizens:
- Proof of a job advert in line with the prescribed requirements in terms of:
- Candidate requirements;
Contact details;
Minimum advertising period;
An exclusive period where only Botswana citizens can apply. - Individual requirements
- Valid job offer by means of a contract of employment/appointment letter;
- A work application;
- A current curriculum vitae (CV);
- Certified copies of certificates. This includes birth, marriage, and education – noting they must all be translated into English;
- A Medical report;
- Certified copies of a valid passport;
- 4 Passport size photos;
- Applicable labour form.
Specific occupations will also require additional items such as registration with professional bodies and specific documentation applicable to their profession.
Submission process
The completed application and fee for the work permit for Botswana are then submitted to an authorized officer (via designated channels) where the application is reviewed and a recommendation made. The authorized officer is entitled to call in the applicant for an interview.
It is then forwarded for consideration to the Regional Immigrants selection board. The board may at any stage request further information. It is also the entitlement of the board to request further information that it deems relevant. Also, emphasis is placed upon the arrangements that are in place for the training of a Botswana individual to replace the appointed non-Botswana worker.
How long are work permits valid?
In short, they are issued with a validity period that the board feels to be appropriate.
Is there an appeals process?
If your application is turned down for a work permit for Botswana you can appeal the decision. Appeals are quite common, with skeptics pointing towards increased fees as a motive. The National Immigrants Selection Board carries out the review process for appeals.
Can a work permit be renewed?
Yes, a work permit can be renewed and the process is akin to that of an initial application.
Finding out more and applying for a work permit for Botswana
Integrate Immigration and its appointed representatives are able to assist you with all aspects of work permits for Botswana. Our aim is to supply a service that gives you all the need-to-know information and causes the least stress possible to our applicants.
You can find out more about a work permit for Botswana by calling us at + (0) 27 21 424 2460 or using the contact details below: