The One-Stop Border Posts Act, 2013 establishes the framework for designating certain points of entry as one-stop border posts through bilateral agreements between Botswana and neighboring states. The Act empowers the Minister to enter into agreements with adjoining states, namely Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, to facilitate border control procedures within designated control zones. These agreements enable border posts to operate as unified checkpoints where authorized officers from either party may conduct necessary inspections and enforce applicable laws. Under the Act, the Minister may, through official publication, designate specific entry points as one-stop border posts, ensuring compliance with existing immigration and customs laws. The legal jurisdiction governing control zones is determined by the territorial placement of the checkpoint, although officers remain bound by the laws of their respective states when executing border procedures. The Act further stipulates that offences committed within Botswana's exclusive use area in an adjoining state are to be treated as if they occurred within Botswana's jurisdiction.
Botswana · 2013-09-04