More than 130 000 IDs uncollected

…15 000 stateless people now documented

The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security says 130 000 identity cards remain uncollected.

In a statement on International Identity Day on Monday, the ministry’s executive director, Etienne Maritz, said this is one of the ministry’s main challenges.

“Despite significant progress, challenges remain. In 2001, up to 70 000 ID cards were uncollected. Unfortunately, this issue persists today, whereby more than 130 000 ID cards are uncollected,” he said.

According to Maritz, the ministry conducted mass registration nationwide from February to July, which resulted in 110 620 individuals being served.

Among the statistics recorded, the ministry managed to assist 14 976 individuals who were stateless, issued 32 501 new ID cards, completed 31 135 birth registrations and issued 12 939 duplicates of ID cards.

However, only 2 856 individuals have collected their ID cards.

“This initiative aimed to bring birth and ID card registration closer to the people and included undocumented residents who do not meet current requirements for national documents. These individuals, potentially stateless, are being recorded in a functional register in anticipation of forthcoming legislation to address statelessness, marking a significant step towards regularising their status and enhancing social progression,” he said.

According to Maritz, despite these efforts, the challenge of uncollected ID cards remains.

To address this, Maritz said the ministry is marking International Identity Day this week, by raising awareness and promoting dialogue around the key dimensions of legal identity: inclusion, protection and empowerment.

CALL TO ACTION

Maritz said the ministry will conduct ID card distribution outreaches across the country.

“In celebration of the right to be visible, the ministry will conduct ID card distribution outreaches across the country.”

Uncollected ID cards will be taken to designated centres for easy collection and regional government authorities have been tasked to identify ideal collection points and to communicate the programme through community meetings and on local radio stations, he said.

“Some regions will also handle birth registration and applications for both ID cards and duplicate documents. We urge all Namibians to visit their local collection centres and collect their identity cards promptly. Verifiable proof of identity is crucial, and uncollected ID cards undermine this fundamental right,” he said.

In alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UN SDG 16.9), which calls for legal identity for all, including birth registration, by 2030, Namibia is reaffirming its commitment to Vision 2030 and the national development plans, including the Harambee Prosperity Plan I.

Vision 2030 emphasises data and research as crucial for Namibia’s journey to becoming an industrialised nation. A pivotal element of this vision is the complete registration of births, marriages and deaths, recognised as essential for internal security and stability.