The government of Eswatini is moving to overhaul its immigration laws with the Immigration Bill 2025, aimed at replacing the outdated 1982 Act. The bill seeks to address current immigration needs, including e-visa delays and payment failures. According to Ministry of Home Affairs Principal Immigration Officer Gezani Mkhonta, the 1982 Act no longer adequately addresses the country's immigration needs. The bill is a priority for the government, which wants it enacted before Parliament rises for its recess later this year.
The Immigration Bill 2025 is currently undergoing parliamentary consultations and stakeholder reviews. These consultations involve joint sessions with the House of Assembly portfolio committee and stakeholders in the immigration and border-management sectors. The goal is to address enforcement challenges and realities experienced by communities and officials at the country's borders. Mkhonta stated that the proposed legislation would introduce significant changes, including provisions allowing immigration officers to carry firearms and detain people who commit offences under the Act.
The bill is being aligned with wider national migration policies and the work of the Migration Management Task Force. Reforms under consideration include digital screening systems and provisions relating to residence by investment, developed in consultation with the ministry of commerce, industry and trade. The proposed framework would provide for various immigration categories, including permanent residence for strategic investors, asylum-related provisions, and export and import visas.
Mkhonta acknowledged that the country's electronic visa platform has experienced operational difficulties, including reliability, payment processing, and processing times. The platform allows applicants to submit applications electronically and track their progress from home. However, industry stakeholders have raised concerns over its reliability, particularly during peak periods such as the annual Umhlanga Ceremony.
The government is working to address the challenges with the e-visa platform, which is still at the piloting stage. An alternative arrangement could provide responses to applications within 24 hours. Mkhonta stated that the government is committed to resolving the issues with urgency, as the current visitor system frustrates legitimate visitors and investors.
The push to modernise the country's immigration framework aims to strengthen migration management while making it easier for legitimate visitors, investors, and travellers to enter the country. Mkhonta expressed confidence that progress would be made in the coming weeks, with the bill prioritised for passage before Parliament goes to recess this year.
The late minister had also wanted the bill to move through Parliament quickly. Mkhonta stated that the government has prioritised the bill and would like it to be passed before Parliament's recess. The bill's passage is expected to improve the country's immigration management and provide a more efficient and effective system for visitors and investors.
Key points
- Eswatini's government is fast-tracking the Immigration Bill 2025 to address current immigration challenges.
- The bill aims to replace the outdated 1982 Act and modernise the country's immigration framework.
- The proposed legislation would introduce significant changes, including provisions allowing immigration officers to carry firearms and detain people who commit offences under the Act.
