Botswana’s President Boko Plans to Legalize Undocumented Zimbabweans
Gaborone, Botswana – Botswana’s new president, Duma Boko, has announced plans to legalize undocumented Zimbabweans in the country by offering them temporary work and residence permits. Speaking on the BBC Africa Daily podcast before his official inauguration on Friday, Boko highlighted the important role Zimbabwean immigrants play in Botswana’s economy.
“They do jobs that would otherwise not get done,” President Boko said, acknowledging the contribution of Zimbabweans to sectors that rely on labor Botswana struggles to fill locally.
Botswana is home to the second-largest population of Zimbabwean expatriates globally, most of whom have left their homeland due to ongoing economic difficulties. This influx has not been without friction, as undocumented Zimbabweans often face resentment, with daily deportations being common.
While Boko’s decision is expected to be controversial in Botswana, a wealthy nation known for its diamond industry, he remains committed to his plan. The president, who at 54 recently unseated the ruling party after nearly six decades in power, sees this move as essential for revitalizing Botswana’s economy.
President Boko also addressed the ongoing challenge posed by the porous border between Botswana and Zimbabwe, which facilitates high volumes of undocumented crossings. By regularizing the status of undocumented Zimbabweans, the new administration aims to bring stability to the labor market and ensure those crossing the border can contribute to the economy within a regulated framework.
This progressive stance marks a significant policy shift for Botswana and signals the new president’s broader vision for economic reform and inclusivity.
