Eswatini gives illegal foreign businesses 12 months to leave

The proposed transition period follows a government crackdown on businesses that officials say are operating contrary to the country's trading and immigration regulations.

The issue has sparked debate in Parliament, where legislators have raised concerns about how the restrictions should be implemented and what should happen to businesses run by foreigners.

Some MPs want the government to move quickly to create opportunities for local traders, while others have warned that an abrupt shutdown could affect workers, consumers and business owners who have invested in the shops.

The debate has centred on businesses operating on Swazi Nation Land, where foreign nationals are restricted from running certain types of enterprises under existing trading regulations.

The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade has been carrying out inspections, with several Asian-owned shops already affected by enforcement measures.

Some MPs want the government to move quickly to create opportunities for local traders, while others have warned that an abrupt shutdown could affect workers, consumers and business owners who have invested in the shops.

The debate has centred on businesses operating on Swazi Nation Land, where foreign nationals are restricted from running certain types of enterprises under existing trading regulations.

The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade has been carrying out inspections, with several Asian-owned shops already affected by enforcement measures.

Nhlambeni MP Manzi Zwane supported the proposal, while other legislators pushed for a shorter period.

Mafutseni MP Sabelo Mtetwa suggested six months, saying the government should also consider helping local traders obtain the financial resources needed to establish their own businesses.

Other MPs questioned whether communities would have enough alternative suppliers if foreign-owned shops were closed. Lobamba Lomdzala MP Marwick Khumalo pointed out that some residents rely on these outlets for everyday items, including bread.

The government has maintained that the exercise is intended to enforce existing laws rather than remove every foreign business owner from the country.

Commerce and Industry Minister Manqoba Khumalo has said traders who meet the legal requirements will not be affected by the inspections.

He also explained that the enforcement exercise is based on the Trading Licences Order of 1975, which restricts foreign nationals from operating certain businesses on Swazi Nation Land.

The law also prohibits citizens from obtaining trading licences and renting them out to foreign operators.

The minister said inspections had identified cases involving traders without the necessary business licences and valid immigration documents.

To support the nationwide inspections, the ministry recruited nearly 200 graduates to help establish which businesses were complying with the regulations.

The exercise was expected to conclude on November 19, after which the ministry would submit its findings to Cabinet.

The government is also preparing regulations for the Citizens Economic Empowerment Act, which is intended to expand opportunities for citizens to own and operate businesses.