The government of Eswatini and the National Public Service and Allied Workers Union (NAPSAWU) have reached an agreement to provide a 25% shift allowance to eligible immigration officers at the country's ports of entry. This agreement, which was reached after bilateral negotiations between the government negotiations team (GNT) and NAPSAWU, aims to address concerns surrounding overtime compensation, operational efficiency, and working conditions for immigration officers deployed at border posts.
The agreement introduces a new working arrangement that seeks to reduce overtime costs and create more balanced working schedules for immigration officers. A revised shift system and duty roster will come into effect soon, reducing consecutive working days and keeping overtime hours within manageable limits. This new arrangement is expected to improve the overall working conditions for immigration officers.
Under the agreement, eligible immigration officers will receive a standardised immigration shift allowance equivalent to 25% of their basic salary. This allowance will compensate officers for extended working hours, including duties performed during nights, weekends, and public holidays. It will replace conventional overtime payments for the officers covered by the agreement.
The 25% shift allowance was agreed upon after the government and NAPSAWU had initially proposed different percentages. The government had proposed a 15% standardised overtime allowance, while NAPSAWU had pushed for 30%. Through negotiations, the parties settled on the 25% allowance, which will be backdated to April 1. Overtime claims arising from that date will be addressed in accordance with the provisions of the collective agreement.
The allowance will apply exclusively to immigration personnel deployed at ports of entry. Officers transferred to workstations where overtime work does not apply will no longer qualify for the allowance. The agreement also provides for special arrangements where personnel from the head office are temporarily deployed to assist with border operations during peak periods, national holidays, or major national events.
In cases where personnel from the head office are temporarily deployed, separate authorisation for overtime must be obtained from the ministry of public service in line with applicable regulations. This ensures that the new arrangement is implemented fairly and in accordance with existing regulations. The agreement is expected to improve the working conditions and compensation of immigration officers at ports of entry.
The agreement was announced by Ministry of Public Service Principal Secretary Mthuzi Shabangu, who said it would create more balanced working schedules and reduce consecutive working days. The implementation of the new shift allowance is expected to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of immigration operations at Eswatini's ports of entry.
Key points
- The 25% shift allowance for immigration officers is backdated to April 1.
- The allowance will apply exclusively to immigration personnel deployed at ports of entry.
- The agreement aims to reduce overtime costs and create more balanced working schedules for immigration officers.
