By Mbongeni Ndlela
MBABANE— The Ministry of Home Affairs has strongly dismissed allegations that the recruitment of new Immigration Officers was marred by irregularities and favouritism.
In an official statement issued on March 4, 2025, Mlandvo Dlamini, the Ministry’s Communications Officer, clarified that the selection process was conducted with the utmost transparency and in strict compliance with government hiring protocols.
Contrary to circulating claims, Dlamini affirmed that only 26 officers—comprising 21 Assistant Immigration Officers and 5 Gate Guards—were recruited, not the 54 officers as previously reported. The candidates were chosen from a comprehensive database maintained by the Civil Service Commission (CSC), which includes only qualified applicants who meet the requirements for entry-level positions.
“The Ministry affirms that any assertion that qualified officers were overlooked in this process is unfounded,” Dlamini stated, emphasizing that the positions filled are specifically entry-level roles designed to address critical vacancies within the Immigration Department. He highlighted that these roles are open to all Emaswati who possess the requisite qualifications, stressing that experience alone does not suffice without proper credentials.
The recruitment process was extensively advertised in local media, with a closing date for applications set for September 24, 2021. Dlamini reassured the public that the selection was impartial, providing equal opportunities to all eligible candidates. This move is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the nation’s immigration control framework by deploying trained personnel to key border posts.
In a strategic transition aimed at enhancing border security and operational efficiency, the newly appointed Immigration Officers will be stationed at Nsalitje, Sandlane, and Bulembu border posts—previously manned by the Royal Eswatini Police Services (REPS). The Ministry’s decision to place specialized officers at these critical points aligns with its goal of bolstering national security and ensuring the effective enforcement of immigration laws.
“The Ministry of Home Affairs remains steadfast in its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the country’s immigration system,” Dlamini affirmed. He further emphasized that the Ministry is dedicated to professionalism and efficiency in all immigration enforcement procedures.
The clarification by the Ministry seeks to quell growing concerns and restore public confidence in the fairness and transparency of government recruitment processes. As the nation grapples with security challenges, the deployment of qualified officers at strategic points promises to enhance Eswatini’s border management capabilities significantly.
By reaffirming its commitment to impartial recruitment and effective border management, the Ministry of Home Affairs is setting a positive tone for future engagements with the public, reinforcing its dedication to transparency and national security.
