The proposed Immigration Bill is expected to introduce a permanent residence-by-investment visa, creating a new pathway for foreign investors seeking to establish permanent residence in Eswatini without necessarily acquiring citizenship.
The proposed reforms were discussed during a meeting between Acting Minister for Home Affairs Senator Pholile Shakantu and members of the Citizenship Board at the Ministry of Home Affairs headquarters in Mbabane. The engagement focused on strengthening the country’s immigration framework and ensuring that citizenship applications are handled with integrity, transparency and consistency.
Addressing the Board, Senator Shakantu emphasised the need to expedite the Immigration Bill, which is expected to introduce several important changes, including provisions for permanent residence visas and permanent residence-by-investment visas.
Under the proposed framework, applicants seeking permanent residence would, among other requirements, have to demonstrate that they have met and exceeded a specified investment threshold in the country.
The permanent residence-by-investment option, also known as an Investor Visa, would provide a separate route for qualifying individuals who wish to invest and establish permanent residence in Eswatini. The Acting Minister noted that several countries had adopted similar programmes as alternatives to citizenship, allowing foreign investors to contribute to economic development while securing long-term residence without necessarily becoming citizens.
During the meeting, the Citizenship Board highlighted the importance of considering applicants’ investment footprints and meaningful economic contributions to the country when assessing citizenship applications. The Board also emphasised the value of professional presence, particularly individuals with scarce and specialised skills needed by Eswatini.
It further observed that some individuals currently applying for citizenship could be better accommodated through a dedicated permanent residence framework. This, the Board noted, would help maintain a clear distinction between citizenship and permanent residence while ensuring that investors and individuals with critical skills have appropriate opportunities to contribute to the country’s development.
The proposed legislation is expected to address existing gaps in the immigration system by establishing clearer pathways from temporary residence to permanent residence and, where applicable, citizenship. The Senator assured the Board that its concerns would be considered during the development of the proposed legislation.
She urged members to continue executing their responsibilities fairly and transparently, stressing the importance of acting in the best interests of the country when considering citizenship applications. The Citizenship Board is chaired by Fikile Dlamini, with HRH Princess Msindvose, Chief Ngangaza Dlamini, Vusi Tfwala, Pastor Griffiths Dlamini, Muzi Dlamini and Lungile Numalo serving as members. Mthokozisi Dlamini serves as an ex-officio member.
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