Eswatini addresses safety of Chinese nationals amid legal disputes

The Eswatini government has clarified that Chinese nationals living in the country remain safe, following a law-enforcement operation targeting individuals suspected of involvement in online gambling and cyber fraud. Acting Government Spokesperson Thabile Mdluli stated that the operation was specific to criminal investigations and should not be viewed as a broader security threat to foreign nationals.

This clarification follows a travel advisory from the People’s Republic of China, which advised its citizens to leave Eswatini due to security concerns and the country’s diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Mdluli maintained that Eswatini is a stable nation and that the recent police actions demonstrated the effectiveness of its security institutions in addressing suspected criminal activities.

Separately, 40 Chinese nationals are demanding E208 million in compensation from the Eswatini government. Represented by Linda Dlamini and Associates, the group claims they were re-arrested while attempting to leave the country despite having pleaded guilty to immigration offenses and receiving High Court orders for their release and voluntary departure. The claimants allege they remain detained at Sidwashini Correctional Services in violation of court rulings.