Indians in Botswana

Infobox Ethnic group
group = Indians in Botswana
poptime = 9,000
popplace = Gaborone
langs = English, Hindi
rels = Hinduism, Islam
related-c = Non-resident Indian and Person of Indian Origin, Desi

Indians in Botswana do not form a very large population. There are 3,000 PIOs and 6,000 NRIs in Botswana. While no PIO has so far won any election to the Botswana Parliament, one of them has become a Nominated Member of its Parliament. [http://indiandiaspora.nic.in/diasporapdf/chapter8.pdf NRI ] ]

History

A few Indian families migrated from South Africa to Botswana in the beginning of the 20th century. Initially engaged in general trading, they gradually built up big businesses by purchasing dealerships for international products, and also successfully investing in property. Most of them acquired local citizenship. This was possible as Botswana permits expatriates with over ten years’ residence in the country to apply for permanent residence status and citizenship. A number of Indians who went to the country more recently have also become Botswanans. Some of them have taken an active part in politics.

Indians in Diamond Business

The discovery of diamonds and their mining from the late 1960s saw the beginning of a sustained economic boom in Botswana. This attracted many more PIOs to this country. Both professionals and businessmen arrived there from several African countries, especially South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe and even from Kenya and Uganda. The Botswana Government does not encourage immigration of foreign labour. But with its shortage of skilled manpower, it started recruiting Indian experts directly from India from the late 1980s – teachers, doctors, engineers and civil servants. The Indian community is well respected in Botswana for its business acumen and its reputation for hard work. The political leadership and the higher bureaucracy are appreciative of its contribution towards the development of the country.

ee also

* Hinduism in Botswana

References

External links

* [http://www.hindu.com/2006/02/27/stories/2006022714500500.htm Hinduism in Bostwana as reported in The Hindu]
* [http://www.gov.bw/cgi-bin/news.cgi?d=20060516 Maitisong showcases Tamil culture 16 May, 2006]
* [http://www.gov.bw/cgi-bin/news.cgi?d=20000825 Indians contribute to Botswana's economic Boom 25 August, 2000]