GABORONE, July 3 (Xinhua) -- The Botswana government announced on Tuesday that they will ease the process of issuing work and residents permits and visa in an effort to reduce impediments of doing business in the country.
A press release from the Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs said the ministry had taken a decision to grant visa at the same time with approved work and residence/exemptions permits.
Previously, citizens of countries that require visa to enter Botswana had to apply for work and residence permits, or exemptions and they could only apply for visa once the other documents have been approved, or when they got exemptions.
This process was often long and deemed discouraging by potential investors who wanted to come and do business in the country.
According to the press release, the new development would require nationals of countries that require visa to apply for both permits and visa at the same time.
They will, however, be required to pay the applicable fees for each application separately.
The new improvement will apply to applications received from July 1, 2018 while those that applied before the implementation date hereof will follow the current process.
Botswana's new President Mokgweetsi Masisi had said in his first official address to the media in May that his government will look for new ways to lure investors into the country, amongst them visa and permits requirements.
He also promised to review the cases of every individual classed as a Prohibited Immigrant (PI) by the government.
