GABORONE, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Botswana's President Mokgweetsi Masisi said Tuesday his administration is in the process of overhauling its immigration system to improve the country's ease of doing business.
Addressing a meeting with the tourism operators in Francistown, Botswana's second largest city, Masisi said relaxing visa requirements is part of his administration's efforts to attract foreign direct investment (FDI).
Botswana tightened its immigration laws between 2010 and 2013, which resulted in many foreign businesses failing to apply for or renew their residence and work permits.
"We decided to carry out a massive adjustment and reorientation to our immigration system," said Masisi, who was inaugurated on April 1 following the retirement of his predecessor Ian Khama.
"Those who are employers and the much-needed investors have been struggling with visas or residence and work permits. We are looking at ensuring that the work and residence permits are facilitated as expeditiously as possible," Masisi said.
Botswana's Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Bogolo Kenewendo has admitted that tight immigration laws are costing the diamond-rich country opportunities to fully reap benefits of the global economic growth.