THERE has been a public outcry among Zambians for the Government to act over the increasing number of expatriates plying their trade in the country.
It could be in any industry, that is labour intensive or otherwise, but the call has been that the Government addressed the rising number of expatriates being called in for jobs that can be done by the majority of Zambians.
This week, I delve into the Governments recent directive for the Immigration Department to stop issuing non-Zambians with work permits for jobs that the majority of indigenous people can do.
Home Affairs Minister Davis Mwila issued the directive a fortnight ago and the move has since been implemented by the Immigration Department, its director general Moola Milomo confirmed last week.
The Immigration Department will no longer issue or renew work permits for foreigners who were doing work that can be done by indigenous people.
The institution was now thoroughly scrutinising foreign applications for fresh work permits and renewal of the same to ensure that Zambians are not deprived of jobs in the local industry.
Running work permits will however not be terminated but that the documents will be invalid upon expiry.
As at February 2015, 13,295 Chinese had obtained Zambian work permits while 7,422 Indians and 4,308 South Africans, had also been issued with the same documents respectively.
The status quo is worrying considering the high number of Zambians who are complaining about not having employment to sustain a living.
Botswana hardened its stance against employing foreigners with the government deciding not to renew the work permits of those working as teachers and public transport drivers, among others.
The Government of Botswana also extended the probe to the hiring of artisans in the mining sector, all in a bid to rope in local graduates into the employment system.
Zambia needs to enforce laws attached to the tendency of giving out ‘any job’ to foreigners and the Governments directive to the immigration is welcome.
It is a step in the right direction because there is absolutely no room for allowing non-Zambians to do basic chores while Zambians are wallowing in squalor on the street.
In special circumstances where indeed outside skills are required, the immigration can give due consideration and grant the work permit.
This is why as the directive is being implemented, Government on the other hand should scale up efforts to train so that people they too are acquainted with industrial practice.
The Government would do well to include this as a requirement for investors before they embark on any business venture locally.
If the investor wants to build a mine in Zambia, of course technical expertise will be required in the beginning but as the project grows, Zambians should be equipped with the technical know-how to take over from the expatriates.
Some companies have already embarked on this programme as an internal strategy and with State reinforcement, results could improve.
Government would do well to enact a law that will give trade unions’ access to manufacturing companies and monitor if these institutions have deliberate policies to groom local staff with technical skills.
Some companies could  be masquerading as meeting such requirements and impromptu spot checks will enhance principal in the treatment of Zambian workers.
The move to reduce on work-permits to foreigners should also be extended to the business world to empower Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SME’s).
Zambian companies should be given first priority to trade locally before non-Zambians can be roped in.
This is will enhance economic emancipation of the people.
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