06 Oct 2020

Ministry of Health and Wellness says issuance of international movement permits during the COVID-19 State of Emergency does not imply that other requirements are not applicable.

A press release from the ministry states that issuance of a permission to travel from the Director of Health Services does not imply that other requirements, such as those enforced by the

Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs, are not applicable, hence residence and work permits must also be available when requested at relevant offices.

The release states that in accordance with the regulations only essential service workers returning for work across borders, students returning to school, next of kin attending funerals of close relatives across borders, expatriate contractors entering Botswana for short term essential works will be considered.

Individuals wishing to see their legal spouses and family across borders, non-citizens returning home and other essential travel requests such as medical reasons would also be considered.

It states that students returning for studies would need a request letter (parental consent where applicant is a minor) explaining travel reasons, passport copy, study permit and letter from the institution, whereas essential service workers would have to produce request letter, copy of their work contract and passport copies of travelling contractors among others and all other information regarding the international movement permit could be availed at the Ministry of Health and Wellness headquarters at offices number 9A10 or 9A6.

Applicants are requested to check with Embassy/High Commission of their destination country upon receiving travel permission from the office of the Director of Health Services. This, the release states, is to ensure compliance to all immigration process.

The ministry further states that where there is no embassy/high commission locally, applicants should follow up immigration process with the Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation at 3600700. ENDS