Ezulwini – Construction companies seeking to employ foreign professionals will now be required to obtain approval from the Construction Industry Council (CIC) before applying for work permits, as the regulator tightens oversight of imported skills in the sector.
CIC Chief Executive Officer Machawe Mnisi announced the new requirement during the Construction Stakeholder Forum 2026, saying the measure follows engagements with the Ministry responsible for Home Affairs aimed at strengthening compliance in the employment of foreign construction professionals.
Mnisi said the council had identified gaps in the approval process and had since worked with government to strengthen regulation of imported skills.
“Going forward, if a construction company wants to import skills, it is now a requirement that they get approval from the CIC before they go to Home Affairs, where the rest of the vetting process will continue,” he said.
He said the new arrangement was part of the council’s efforts to ensure foreign expertise is brought into the country only where necessary, while safeguarding opportunities for local professionals.
The issue of foreign skills has been one of the concerns repeatedly raised by industry stakeholders, particularly as Eswatini embarks on major infrastructure projects requiring specialized expertise.
Mnisi highlighted that the council’s engagement with the Ministry of Home Affairs had resulted in measures to improve compliance and close loopholes in the recruitment of foreign professionals.
He said regulating imported skills forms part of the council’s broader mandate of regulating, promoting and developing the construction industry while ensuring that infrastructure development also benefits emaSwati professionals.
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