Over 150 expatriates are being forced out of Botswana after their work permits were refused renewal, the local press reported. There are allegations that the move may have been triggered by unnamed construction company, which got more than 100 work permits for bricklayers, carpenters, which are areas reserved for Botswana citizens. While Botswana has been wooing foreign investors, the authorities have either turned down requests for expatriate work permits from companies that have established businesses in the country or have failed to renew existing ones. Observers said the action may slow down implementation of government projects and preparations for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, from which Botswana stands to benefit because of its geographical location. One of the projects that have been affected is the upgrading of the national stadium in Gaborone, where it is alleged that the work permits of some of the workers have not been renewed. However, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs, Lebogang Bok, was quoted as saying that she was not aware that applications for work permits or renewal are being refused.
