The Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs has released a statement stating that the government has introduced the Botswana Blue Card (BBC) with immediate effect.
The Botswana Blue Card will allow those who have renounced Botswana citizenship to retain the right to unlimited stay in Botswana. Botswana Blue Cardholders will have the right to visit, live and work in Botswana. However, they will not be entitled to the identity card (Omang) and the Botswana passport.
Those interested in applying for the card will need to complete the Botswana Blue Card application form which is to be made available at all immigration offices and Botswana embassies. The applicants are also required to attach a certified copy of a valid passport, attach a certified copy of their renunciation certificate (Botswana citizenship), enclose two coloured passport-size photographs, attach a certified copy of the acquired citizenship and pay a non-refundable fee of P3,000 upon submission of the application.
Only those who were citizens of Botswana by birth or by descent prior to renouncing their Botswana citizenship are eligible for the Botswana Blue Card. A foreign spouse of the Botswana Blue Cardholder is not eligible for the Botswana Blue Card unless they were also citizens of Botswana by birth or descent. Children born after the Botswana Blue Card holder renounced their Botswana citizenship do not qualify.
For more information, contact the Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs toll-free number: 0800 600 777 OR visit the nearest Immigration and Citizenship offices or a Botswana consular office nearest to where you are abroad.
Source: Botswana Government
