Botswana: (1) The significance of the "National ID No." found on the Botswana Driver's Licence; whether someone who is living in Botswana on a "Temporary Residence Permit," a "Dependant's Permit" or a "Non-Citizen Work Permit," would have a "National ID No." or whether only citizens of Botswana are entitled to the "National ID No."; (2) rights and obligations attached to permanent residence status for foreigners, including a Zimbawean citizen living in Botswana (August 2002)
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 23 August 2002 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | BWA39278.E |
| Reference | 4 |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Botswana: (1) The significance of the "National ID No." found on the Botswana Driver's Licence; whether someone who is living in Botswana on a "Temporary Residence Permit," a "Dependant's Permit" or a "Non-Citizen Work Permit," would have a "National ID No." or whether only citizens of Botswana are entitled to the "National ID No."; (2) rights and obligations attached to permanent residence status for foreigners, including a Zimbawean citizen living in Botswana (August 2002), 23 August 2002, BWA39278.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3f7d4d632a.html [accessed 29 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
A 21 August 2000 letter from the Embassy of Botswana in Washington D.C. (see pp. 1-2 of the attachment) provides information on the significance of the "National ID No." found on Botswana Driver's Licence. The letter also notes that the National Identity Card (ID No.) "is exclusively for citizens of Botswana" (Embassy of Botswana 21 Aug. 2002).
Regarding the rights and obligations attached to permanent residence status for foreigners living in Botswana, the official of the Embassy of Botswana listed in the attached letter (see pp. 2-3) "three things that qualifies one to be granted permanent residence."
Without referring specifically to a Zimbabwean citizen, the official explained in the same letter that the permanent residence status exempts the holder "from the requirement of applying for or obtaining a residence permit." He added that "at this stage, a person may apply for Botswana citizenship given the ten good years residing in Botswana" (ibid.).
According to GuruGroup (a Gaborone-based certified public accountants group) website:
[A] residence permit is required for stay in Botswana for over 6 months.
An employee or a self-employed or a dependent shall always need a residence permit.
Any expatriate employee or a self-employed should obtain [a] work permit. Persons involved in religious activities do not need a work permit (17 Mar 2002).
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.
References
Embassy of Botswana, Washington D.C. 21 August 2002. Correspondence.
GuruGroup [Gaborone]. 17 March 2002. "Botswana Business Information: Visa and Residence." Attachment
Embassy of Botswana, Washington D.C. 21 August 2002. Correspondence, p. 1-3.
Additional Sources Consulted
A requesting letter has been addressed to the Chief Immigration Officer within the Botswana Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs.
Websites, including:
Government of Botswana.
