Botswana has granted citizenship to 64 refugees as part of commemorating the 2026 World Refugee Day and the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention.

Labour and Home Affairs Minister, Retired Major General Pius Mokgware, handed over the citizenship certificates to the beneficiaries at Dukwi Refugee Settlement after decades of staying in Botswana.

Mokgware said the development is a practical demonstration of the Botswana government's efforts to ensure that everyone is afforded the fullest protection available under the law.

He said that Botswana "has taken a giant step in ending the cycle of displacement for individuals who have lived in limbo for years" and highlighted the country's exceptional leadership in providing solutions for those who have been forced to flee.

"We will be giving out 64 citizenship certificates to individuals. Some of them are doctors; some of them are learned people; some of them are lawyers. So, we are saying to each one of you who has not applied for citizenship that you have an opportunity. Do not allow yourself to be closed up. You have an opportunity. If you have skills, we will facilitate you."

For his part, the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Nelson Ramaotwana, said Botswana is seeking ways and means to come up with policies that will allow refugees to be able to work and eke out a living. 

For years, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has worked closely with the Botswana government and partners on legal documentation that would grant citizenship for long-term refugees and prevent the risk of statelessness.