Access to work
In Botswana, refugees can be employed by companies, run businesses, and engage in trade, and some reside in urban areas for these reasons.
However, Botswana has reservations about the right to work and the freedom of movement of refugees and asylum seekers in there is a strict encampment policy imposed on Dukwi camp residents.
Therefore, it is your responsibility to ensure that you exit the camp with a valid and relevant permit issued by the camp manager.
To work in Botswana as an employee of a company, a refugee or asylum seeker needs to obtain a work permit.
To apply for a work permit, you must present a letter from an employer wishing to hire you to the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) office in the camp, where you will be issued a clearance letter through the camp manager’s office. You must also apply for an exit or work permit if the work opportunity is outside the Dukwi camp or village.
Refugees and asylum seekers are entitled to the protection of labour legislation through the services of the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs.
Refugees have the freedom to run small-scale businesses within the camp, with some running larger businesses at a larger scale in urban areas.
The government of Botswana, through the Ministry of Justice, supports refugees by issuing clearance letters and travel permits to apply for Hawker’s Licences to operate their businesses with the Tutume Local Council.
Please consult the MoJ office in the camp, specifically the camp manager, to enquire and apply for a permit to run a business in the camp.
UNHCR, through the implementing partner Skillshare International Botswana, provides financial support to support livelihood projects including chicken, vegetable production, restaurant (bakery, catering), etc within the camp. To learn more about it, contact Skillshare International Botswana.
ATTENTION! Always check UNHCR and the partner’s Skillshare & MoJ’s notice boards for adverts and opportunities available.
Complementary pathways are safe and regulated avenues that complement refugee resettlement and by which refugees may be admitted to a country and have their international protection needs met while they support themselves to reach a sustainable and lasting solution potentially.
There are some organisations that help refugees to work abroad from their country of asylum:
Talent Beyond Boundaries (TBB)
TBB connects refugees with international employment opportunities to obtain a working permit linked with permanent resident status for the worker/employee and their family members in countries where they can access full rights and stability.
Visit their website. and select “For Job Seekers” for more information on your suitability.
Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP):
The EMPP combines refugee resettlement and economic immigration. It was created by the Government of Canada to help skilled refugees immigrate to Canada through existing economic programmes and give employers in Canada access to a new pool of qualified candidates to fill job openings.
Visit the EMPP official website for more eligibility information.
In addition to meeting the general requirements for the EMPP, you must also be eligible for one of the following economic immigration programmes:
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