OIM - Migration in Botswana - A Country Profile 2021 de 2025

Migration in Botswana

A COUNTRY PROFILE 2021

Migration in Bostwana A COUNTRY PROFILE 2021 Migration in Botswana

A COUNTRY PROFILE 2021

NAMIBIA

SOUTH AFRICA

ZIMBABW E

ZAMBIA

ANGOLA

ESWATINI

LESOTHO MOZAMBIQUE BOTSWANAThe opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The designations employed and the presentation of material throughout the publication do not imply expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of IOM concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning its frontiers or boundaries. IOM is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. As an intergovernmental organization, IOM acts with its partners in the international community to: assist in meeting the operational challenges of migration; advance understanding of migration issues; encourage social and economic development through migration; and uphold the human dignity and well-being of migrants. _____________________________ Publisher: International Organization for Migration 17 route des Morillons P.O. Box 171211 Geneva 19

Switzerland T el.: +41 22 717 9111

Fax: +41 22 798 6150

Email: hq@iom.int Website: www.iom.int The maps used in this Migration Profile, including on the cover, are for illustration purposes only.

The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on the maps do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the International Organization for Migration.

Required citation: International Organization for Migration (IOM), 2025. Migration in Botswana

A Country Profile 2021. IOM, Geneva.

_____________________________

ISBN 978-92-9278-002-9 (PDF)

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PUB2024/008/ELMigration in Botswana

A COUNTRY PROFILE 2021iii

Migration in Botswana: A Country Profile 2021

FOREWORD The Migration Profiles initiative, launched in 2005 by the European Commission, serves as a beacon of understanding in the complex realm of human mobility. These profiles transcend mere statistics, offering insights that empower policy decisions and improve governance. Their evolution from concise reports, prepared by a limited number of experts, to collaborative endeavours involving various stakeholders is a testament to the initiative’s transformative power. The 2018 Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration amplifies the importance of data as a foundation for informed policymaking. It emphasizes the link between migration data and the Sustainable Development Goals and underlines the necessity of evidence-based decisions. Amid this global movement, Botswana’s inaugural Migration Profile exemplifies the potential of these profiles to reshape migration governance. The Botswana Migration Profile delves into the country’s rich migration history, capturing the interplay of internal and international movements. The country’s commitment to understanding this dynamic landscape is reflected in the profile’s crafting by a technical working group representing diverse stakeholders. The Botswana Migration Profile offers a multifaceted view of migration – from culturally and livelihood-driven internal movements to international migration patterns involving neighbouring countries. It showcases stories of migrants seeking

commitment to understanding this dynamic landscape is reflected in the profile’s crafting by a technical working group representing diverse stakeholders. The Botswana Migration Profile offers a multifaceted view of migration – from culturally and livelihood-driven internal movements to international migration patterns involving neighbouring countries. It showcases stories of migrants seeking opportunities further afield and demonstrates the impact of remittances on development. While shedding light on the positive aspects of migration, it also acknowledges challenges such as irregular migration and trafficking. Throughout, the Migration Profile underscores the pivotal role of accurate data in shaping effective policies. Collaborative efforts between various stakeholders, ranging from government bodies to academia and civil society, reflect the commitment to comprehensive migration governance. In addition to Migration Profiles, initiatives like the Migration Governance Indicators (MGI, a tool for assessing national migration governance frameworks) and strategic policy revisions are heralded as crucial steps in navigating the evolving migration landscape. This Migration Profile for Botswana is more than a document – it signifies progress, dialogue and enlightenment. Its pages, hopefully, will inspire readers to renew their commitment to inclusive migration policies. As a guiding star in the global constellation of migration governance, this Migration Profile illuminates pathways to secure, well-organized and beneficial migration for all.v

Migration in Botswana: A Country Profile 2021

Foreword............................................................................................................................................. iii List of Tables...................................................................................................................................... vi List of Figures...................................................................................................................................vii Steering Committee Members..................................................................................................ix Glossary...............................................................................................................................................xi Acronyms......................................................................................................................................... xix Country Map..................................................................................................................................xxi Key Population and Migration Statistics............................................................................xxiii Executive Summary....................................................................................................................xxv Part A: Migration Trends and Migrant Characteristics.....................................................1

Part B: Impact of Migration....................................................................................................... 41

Part C: Migration Governance Framework........................................................................ 53

Part D: Key Findings and Recommendations..................................................................... 65

Bibliography...................................................................................................................................... 71

CONTENTSvi

Migration in Botswana: A Country Profile 2021

Table 1. Summary of population statistics, 2022..............................................................xxiii Table 2. Internal migration flows for selected cities,

Part D: Key Findings and Recommendations..................................................................... 65

Bibliography...................................................................................................................................... 71

CONTENTSvi

Migration in Botswana: A Country Profile 2021

Table 1. Summary of population statistics, 2022..............................................................xxiii Table 2. Internal migration flows for selected cities, towns and districts, 2017...........................................................................................xxiii Table 3. International migrants in Botswana, by country of origin and sex, 2017................................................................................................xxiv Table 4. Place of residence five years prior to the Botswana Demographic Survey 2017, by sex..............................................................................4 Table 5. Place of residence one year prior to the Botswana Demographic Survey 2017..............................................................................................4 Table 6. Place of residence one year prior to the Botswana Demographic Survey 2017, by age group.................................................................7 Table 7. Citizenship and place of birth, 2017......................................................................... 13 Table 8. Citizenship acquisition by category, 1999–2019................................................. 14 Table 9. Total population of people of concern in Botswana, 2018–2020............................................................................................... 18 Table 10. Foreign student enrolment for the top 10 countries of origin, 2018/2019........................................................................................................ 21 Table 11. Top 10 SADC countries of residence, by type of tourist, 2018................................................................................................. 24 Table 12. Repatriations by country of nationality and sex, 2018..................................... 35 Table 13. Rural and urban population projections, 2011–2026....................................... 42 Table 14. Institutional framework for migration management in Botswana............... 58 Table 15. ILO instruments ratified by Botswana..................................................................... 61 Table 16. United Nations treaties relating to migration, with ratification status for Botswana....................................................................... 62

LIST OF TABLESvii

Migration in Botswana: A Country Profile 2021

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1. Botswana Demographic Survey 2017:

Table 16. United Nations treaties relating to migration, with ratification status for Botswana....................................................................... 62

LIST OF TABLESvii

Migration in Botswana: A Country Profile 2021

LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1. Botswana Demographic Survey 2017: Migration-related questions............................................................................................3 Figure 2. Net migration, 2017...........................................................................................................5 Figure 3. Net migration of cities and towns, 2017...................................................................6 Figure 4. Net migration rates of cities and towns, 2011.......................................................6 Figure 5. Annual disaster displacement figures, 2009–2020................................................8 Figure 6. Population affected/displaced by storms and floods, 2015–2019.....................................................................................................9 Figure 7. Three-site circular migration system in Botswana............................................. 10 Figure 8. Excerpt from the Botswana Demographic Survey 2017 questionnaire........................................................................................... 11 Figure 9. Overview of migration in Botswana......................................................................... 12 Figure 10. Percentage distribution of the foreign population, by nationality, 2017.......................................................................................................... 15 Figure 11. Percentage distribution of the foreign population, by sex and citizenship, 2017......................................................................................... 16 Figure 12. Foreign population age and sex distribution, 2017............................................ 16 Figure 13. Overall permits allocated, by type, 2010–2020.................................................. 17 Figure 14. Refugees and asylum-seekers in Botswana, 2020 ............................................. 18 Figure 15. Work permit holders by occupation, 2020........................................................... 19 Figure 16. Percentage distribution of the foreign population, by education and sex, 2017.......................................................................................... 20 Figure 17. Percentage distribution of citizens and non-citizens, by industry, 2017.............................................................................................................. 20 Figure 18. Total tourism arrivals and departures, 2005–2018............................................ 22 Figure 19. Percentage distribution of tourists, by type and sex, 2021..................................................................................................... 23

by industry, 2017.............................................................................................................. 20 Figure 18. Total tourism arrivals and departures, 2005–2018............................................ 22 Figure 19. Percentage distribution of tourists, by type and sex, 2021..................................................................................................... 23 Figure 20. Top 10 SADC countries of residence, by type of tourist, 2018................................................................................................. 24 Figure 21. Top 10 non-SADC countries of residence, by type of tourist, 2018................................................................................................. 25viii

Migration in Botswana: A Country Profile 2021

Figure 22. Distribution of Botswana citizens by country of destination, 2011......................................................................................................... 27 Figure 23. Geographic distribution of emigrants from Botswana, 2013..................................................................................................... 28 Figure 24. Botswana citizens abroad, by reason for absence.............................................. 28 Figure 25. Refugees and asylum-seekers from Botswana, by host country, 2020..................................................................................................... 29 Figure 26. Top destinations for Botswana students abroad, 2013.................................... 30 Figure 27. Total Botswana students abroad, 2014–2018...................................................... 31 Figure 28. Botswana nationals arriving in Namibia, 2011–2014........................................ 32 Figure 29. Overview of irregular migration in Botswana, 2019......................................... 34 Figure 30. Repatriations by year, 2010–2018............................................................................. 34 Figure 31. Projected change per 1,000 population, 2000–2040........................................ 41 Figure 32. Remittances received and paid to Botswana, 1975–2021.............................. 44 Figure 33. Most expensive cost corridors for sending remittances, per USD 200, 2015......................................................................................................... 45 Figure 34. Remittances: inflows, outflows and net, 2006–2015........................................ 46 Figure 35. GDP and inward remittances as a percentage of GDP, 2010–2019......................................................................................................... 47

per USD 200, 2015......................................................................................................... 45 Figure 34. Remittances: inflows, outflows and net, 2006–2015........................................ 46 Figure 35. GDP and inward remittances as a percentage of GDP, 2010–2019......................................................................................................... 47 Figure 36. GDP and outward remittances as a percentage of GDP, 2010–2019......................................................................................................... 47 Figure 37. Migration, health and well-being................................................................................ 50 Figure 38. Institutional framework for migration..................................................................... 57ix

Migration in Botswana: A Country Profile 2021

STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Name Designation Organization Contact information

1. Ms Onaletshepo I. Phikane

Principal Economist I Ministry of Finance Email: oiphikane@gov.bw

Tel.: +267 395 0289

2. Ms Sissy V. Seemule

Chief Industrial Relations Officer Ministry of Employment, Labour Productivity and

Skills Development Email: sseemule@gov.bw

Tel.: +267 373 2773

3. Ms Neo Cornelia Sebolao

Senior Manager Ministry of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technologya Email: nlepang@gov.bw; omokoto@gov.bw

Tel.: +267 365 5492/442

Cell: +267 7546 9065

4. Mr Buhalo Matshameko

Mudongo General Manager Botswana Unified

Revenue Service Email: bmudongo@burs.org.bw

Tel.: +267 363 9519

Cell: +267 7493 3657

5. Dr Keneilwe Motlhatlhedi

Lecturer, Female Medicine University of Botswana Email: kennymotlhatlhedi@ gmail.com Cell no.: +267 7211 0741

6. Bantu L. Morolong, PhD

Dean, School of Social Sciences Botswana Open

University Email: bmorolong@staff.bou.

University of Botswana Email: kennymotlhatlhedi@ gmail.com Cell no.: +267 7211 0741

6. Bantu L. Morolong, PhD

Dean, School of Social Sciences

Botswana Open University Email: bmorolong@staff.bou. ac.bw

Tel.: +267 364 6004

Cell: +267 7123 8028

7. Ms Grace Mphetolang

Manager, Census and Demography Statistics Botswana Email: gracempheto@gmail. com

Tel.: +267 367 1300

Cell: +267 7167 3937

8. Tlamelo Sekambo, PhD

Director, Statistics, Research, Development and Innovation Human Resource Development Council Email: tsekambo@hrdc.org. com; tsekambo@gmail.com

Tel.: +267 364 6387; +267 391

6084

Cell: +267 7138 8106

9. Mr Tsholofelo Molobe Chief Registration Officer Department of Civil and

National Registration Email: tmolobe@gov.bw

Tel.: +267 361 1467

Cell: +267 7224 0234

10. Ms Kesegofetse Setlhare Principal Health Officer I Ministry of Health and

Wellnessb Email: kbsetlhare@gov.bw

11. Mr Onalenna Senwedi

Chief Education Officer (Acting Deputy Director) Department of Educational Planning and Research Services Ministry of Basic Educationc Email: osenwedi@gov.bw Cell: +267 7142 2974

12. Mr Moagisi Mapii

Ministry of Defence, Justice and Security Email: mmapii@gov.bw Cell: +267 7248 0780

Note: Government agency names shown are as they were at the time of writing. Some ministries have changed names, with the

12. Mr Moagisi Mapii

Ministry of Defence, Justice and Security Email: mmapii@gov.bw Cell: +267 7248 0780

Note: Government agency names shown are as they were at the time of writing. Some ministries have changed names, with the current names as follows: a Ministry of Higher Education; b Ministry of Health; c Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education.xi

Migration in Botswana: A Country Profile 2021

GLOSSARY1 asylum-seeker An individual seeking international protection. In countries with individualized procedures, an asylum-seeker is someone whose claim has not yet been finally decided on by the country to which they have submitted it. Not every asylumseeker will ultimately be recognized as a refugee, but every recognized refugee is initially an asylum-seeker. child migrant A migrant that meets the definition of “child”, which refers to here every human being below the age of 18 years – unless, under a law applicable to the child migrant, majority is attained earlier. country of destination In the migration context, a country that is the destination of a person or group of persons, irrespective of whether they migrate regularly or irregularly. country of origin In the migration context, a country of nationality or former habitual (or usual) residence of a person or group of persons who have migrated abroad, whether regularly or irregularly. country of transit In the migration context, a country through which a person or group of persons passes on their journey to the country of destination, or from the country of destination back to the country of origin or habitual (or usual) residence. diaspora Migrants and descendants of migrants whose common cultural or ethnic identity and sense of belonging, whether real or symbolic, have been shaped by their migration experience and background. They maintain links with their homeland and to each other, based on a shared sense of history, identity and/or mutual experiences in the destination country. 1 All definitions are adapted from the IOM Glossary of Migration (third ed.) (IOM, 2019) unless otherwise indicated.xii

and to each other, based on a shared sense of history, identity and/or mutual experiences in the destination country. 1 All definitions are adapted from the IOM Glossary of Migration (third ed.) (IOM, 2019) unless otherwise indicated.xii Migration in Botswana: A Country Profile 2021 displacement The movement of persons who have been forced or obliged to flee or leave their homes or place of habitual (or usual) residence, particularly as a result or in order to avoid the effects of armed conflict, a situation of generalized violence, violations of human rights, or natural or human-made disasters. drivers of migration The complex set of interlinking factors that influence an individual, family or population group’s decisions relating to migration, including displacement. emigrant From the perspective of the country of departure (i.e. the country of origin), a person who is a national and/or has habitual (or usual) residence there, and who moves to another country (i.e. the country of destination), which effectively becomes their new country of habitual (or usual) residence. emigration From the perspective of the country of departure (i.e. the country of origin), the act of a person, who is a national and/or has habitual (or usual) residence there, of moving to another country (i.e. the country of destination), which effectively becomes their new country of habitual (or usual) residence. environmental migration The movement of a person or group of persons who, predominantly for reasons of sudden or progressive (i.e. serial and/or cumulative) changes in the environment that adversely affect their lives or living conditions, either choose to or are forced to leave their places of habitual (or usual) residence, either temporarily or permanently, moving within or outside of their country of origin or habitual (or usual) residence. feminization of migration The change in the demographics of migration reflecting the fact that more women are migrating independently (i.e. as primary migrants), rather than as members of a household, and are actively participating in the labour force in the country of destination.

usual) residence. feminization of migration The change in the demographics of migration reflecting the fact that more women are migrating independently (i.e. as primary migrants), rather than as members of a household, and are actively participating in the labour force in the country of destination. forced migration A migratory movement prompted by any of a diverse set of drivers and which involves force, compulsion or coercion.xiii Migration in Botswana: A Country Profile 2021 foreigner A person in a State of which they are not a citizen or national. immigrant From the perspective of the country of arrival (i.e. the country of destination), a person who moves into such country and does not hold its nationality or does not have habitual (or usual) residence there, so that it effectively becomes their new country of habitual (or usual) residence. immigration From the perspective of the country of arrival (i.e. the country of destination), the act of moving into the country of a person that does not hold its nationality or does not have habitual (or usual) residence there, so that it effectively becomes their new country of habitual (or usual) residence. internal migrant A person who is moving or has moved within a State for the purpose of establishing new temporary or permanent residence or because of displacement (in this latter case, they are also referred to as an internally displaced person). internal migration The movement of a person within a State for the purpose of establishing new temporary or permanent residence or because of displacement. internally displaced person (IDP) A person who has been forced or is obliged to flee or leave their home or place of habitual (or usual) residence, particularly as a result or in order to avoid the effects of armed conflict, a situation of generalized violence, violations of human rights, or natural or human-made disasters, and who has not crossed an internationally recognized State border. international migrant A person who is outside a State of which they are a citizen or national, or, in the case of a stateless person, their State of birth or habitual (or usual) residence.

or natural or human-made disasters, and who has not crossed an internationally recognized State border. international migrant A person who is outside a State of which they are a citizen or national, or, in the case of a stateless person, their State of birth or habitual (or usual) residence. The term covers those who intend to move either permanently or temporarily, and both those who move in a regular manner (i.e. documented) and those in an irregular situation. international student A person who has moved across an international border away from their place of habitual (or usual) residence for the purpose of undertaking a programme of study.xiv Migration in Botswana: A Country Profile 2021 irregular migration Movement of a person that takes place outside of the laws, regulations, and/or international agreements governing the entry into or exit from a State of origin, transit or destination. migrant worker A person who is to be engaged, is engaged or has been engaged in a remunerated activity in a State of which they are not a national. migration The movement of a person away from their place of habitual (or usual) residence, either across an international border or within a State. migration aspiration The term is commonly used to refer to a preference or desire for migration, regardless of the context and the urgency of the preference or desire (Carling, 2017:3). migration corridor An accumulation of migratory movements over time. A migration corridor provides a snapshot of how migration patterns have evolved to produce a significant foreignborn population(s) in specific destination countries (IOM, 2024a:116). migration cycle The stages of the migration process, encompassing departure, (in some cases) transit through one or more States, immigration to the State of destination, and return. migration flow The number of international migrants arriving in a country (immigrants) or the number of international migrants departing from a country (emigrants) over the course of a specific period. migrant stock The total number of international migrants present in a given country at a particular

return. migration flow The number of international migrants arriving in a country (immigrants) or the number of international migrants departing from a country (emigrants) over the course of a specific period. migrant stock The total number of international migrants present in a given country at a particular point in time who have ever changed their country of habitual (or usual) residence.xv

Migration in Botswana: A Country Profile 2021

Migration Profile (IOM publication) An analysis of available accurate and disaggregated data on some or all migration‐ relevant aspects within a specific national context. Prepared in consultation with a broad range of stakeholders, Migration Profiles can be used to enhance policy coherence, evidence‐based policymaking on migration and the mainstreaming of migration into development plans. mixed movement (also, mixed migration, mixed flow) A movement of people travelling together, generally in an irregular manner, using the same routes and means of transport, but possibly for different reasons. People travelling as part of mixed movements have varying needs and profiles and may include asylum-seekers, refugees, trafficked persons, unaccompanied or separated children, and migrants in an irregular situation. mixed motivations (mixed-motive migration) The recognition that people impelled to leave their countries may be driven by a combination of fears, uncertainties, hopes and aspirations that may be difficult to unravel. (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (Office of the), 2007:para. 16) prohibited immigrant (in Botswana) A person whose presence in Botswana is declared to be hostile to public interest. A person is a prohibited immigrant, and their entry into or presence within Botswana is unlawful if they meet any of the following conditions: (a) Is an immigrant who, not having received a free pardon, has been sentenced to imprisonment without the option of a fine in Botswana; or (b) Has been sentenced to imprisonment without the option of a fine in any other country for an offence which, if committed in Botswana, would be punishable with imprisonment without the option of a fine; or

imprisonment without the option of a fine i