// BBC WORLD NEWS — MONDO
Eswatini gives illegal foreign businesses 12 months to leave
Parliament passed a law enforcing the crackdown and seizure of foreign owned businesses amid economic hardship amongst locals
Businesses owned by Asian nationals are being closed across Eswatini as the government cracks down on foreign-owned enterprises.
The crackdown follows Parliament's approval of the Citizen Economic Empowerment Act, which seeks to increase ownership and participation by emaSwati, as citizens in the kingdom are known.
The legislation follows complaints from local traders that foreign-owned businesses are encroaching on traditional retail markets, increasing competition and threatening livelihoods.
South Africa has witnessed more severe enforcement actions, including raids, arrests and the disruption of foreign-run informal businesses, while Kenya has also stepped up action against foreign traders.
Its implementation has sparked a heated debate in Parliament, with MPs divided over how quickly foreign businesses owners should be required to leave.
Mbabane East MP Welcome Dlamini told Parliament on Tuesday that officials from the trade ministry had already begun enforcing the law by closing Asian-owned shops.
Hhohho Regional MP Tanele Magagula called for immediate action, saying "Businesses owned by foreigners in the rural areas must be seized immediately."
But Dlamini questioned whether local entrepreneurs were ready to take over the businesses, arguing that foreigner should be given time tio train their successors.
"Why can't we give the Asians or foreigners at least three years before 'kicking them' out so that emaSwati can learn to run the businesses?" he asked.