Diaspora Affairs

Diaspora

Diaspora Directorate

Basotho living in the Diaspora have a significant and critical role to play in the development of the country. The key strategic aim is to turn the “brain drain” into “brain gain”. The many professionals and entrepreneurs who are based outside the country constitute a significant strategic opportunity to Lesotho. Unless specific strategies are designed to exploit this opportunity, it will remain untapped.

As such, this strategic goal seeks to establish an organized relationship between the Government and the Diaspora through which the Government can, through our various Missions, provide protection and support to these individuals while also enabling their active participation in the development of their country. To achieve this, the Ministry has created the Diaspora Directorate and facilitates the formation of Diaspora Associations throughout the world especially in South Africa, Europe and the United States of America. For effectiveness and sustainability, the establishment of region specific online/ physical Diaspora outreach forums will be initiated and led by the Missions.

Functions

• Facilitates the engagement of committed diaspora to the country’s development through harnessing and leveraging diaspora capitals and specialized skills
• Builds a collaborative culture to implement the Diaspora Policy and Strategies
• Coordinates relationship with external Partners, including Basotho Diaspora Association, Donors and Private sector
• Coordinates the development of the diaspora database and integrated information systems
• Ensures sustainability of the Directorate and accountable reporting to the MoFAIR

Download a list of countries needing a Visa to visit Lesotho

Passports

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations does not issue Passports either in Lesotho or abroad, but since they are used as evidence of identity and citizenship by Basotho who are travelling internationally they form the basis for Consular access and protection by Diplomatic Missions and Consular Posts in accordance with the Vienna Conventions on Diplomatic Relations 1961 and Vienna Convention Consular Relations 1963.

New Passports

If you are a Lesotho citizen who is applying for a New Lesotho Passport outside Lesotho, you should complete an application for the Passport.

You can:

Obtain an application form from any Lesotho Diplomatic or Consular Mission.
Complete the Passport application form for final application form filled by a Consular Officer;
Proof of Lesotho citizenship (old Passport)
Sign the form
Photographs
Fee

Child Passport application should be lodged by a parent/person with parental responsibility over the child.

VISA

A visa is a form of permission for a non-citizen to enter, transit or remain in a particular foreign country.

It does not guarantee entry, that decision remains the right of the Immigration Officials of the country concerned.
Immigration laws of most countries do not have a provision for appeal.
Some countries refuse entry to visitors who do not comply with requirements regarding general appearance and clothing, or visitors who are HIV positive.

Visas for Basotho Travelling to Foreign Countries (Abroad)

We do not issue visas for overseas travel and cannot provide definitive information on visas. Embassies or consulates of the countries you plan to visit can provide up-to-date information about the visa requirements.

Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of the Country you intend to visit, well in advance of travel.
Be sure that you obtain all appropriate visas, including transit visas where they are required.
Provide all required information when applying for visas.

The Lesotho government is unable to intervene in any cases in which a Mosotho has been refused visa or denied entry.

Visa for Visitors to Lesotho

Visas to visit Lesotho are obtainable at Lesotho's Diplomatic and Consular Missions. Entry into Lesotho is the responsibility of the Department of Immigration.

Authentications and Apostilles

Sometimes foreign governments need proof that Lesotho documents, or the signatures on them are genuine before they can accept them, we are able to certify that the signature, stamp or seal on a document is genuine by checking it against a copy held in file of the issuing authorities. We can therefore, facilitate an issuance of authentication or Apostille, when we are satisfied that the signature, stamp or seal on a document is not fraudulent.

Authentication may be obtained from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Lesotho Embassies, High Commissions, Consulate General and Consulates. It should be noted that Honorary Consuls cannot issue authentications.