The Ministry of Home affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security says it plans to speed up visa applications for international experts visiting Namibia on an urgent basis to maintain drilling rigs for the oil industry and those who come for the green hydrogen industry.
This comes after the ministry revealed that it has received over 5 530 online visa applications for work visa’s in Namibia since March.
“Following the discovery of oil, we are witnessing special rare skills in Namibia, who come to maintain the drill rigs for the oil industry. As you are aware, our president is the champion of the green hydrogen project. We have scientists who come here on an urgent basis to come and assist to grow and promote this industry. Therefore, when these skills are available and apply to come to Namibia, with the necessary speed, let us process and contribute to the growth of our economy,” said home affairs minister Albert Kawana. He was speaking during the ministry’s staff awards and recognition ceremony in Windhoek on Monday.
The ministry in March launched an online visa application system and streamlined the visa on arrival process to aid the growth of the tourism industry.
“A total of 20 184 IDs were used at Trans-Kalahari, Muhembo, Ngoma and Impalila border posts. I believe that this move will further promote tourism and facilitate a smooth interaction between the families who live along the border between our two countries,” Kawana said.
A total of 2 231 visas were issued on arrival at Hosea Kutako International Airport, Walvis Bay Airport and Trans-Kalahari border posts.
Meanwhile, Kawana also noted the significant decrease in the turnover time for passports and identity documents (IDs).
“Passports and ID cards play an important role in the enjoyment of fundamental human rights and freedoms. The turnaround time for passport applications is two to three days for applications done in Windhoek and two to five days for applications done in the regions,” he says.
The ministry also reports that emergency passports can be ready on the same day of application.
In March, the ministry also introduced online passport applications.
Since then, 1 421 passport applications have been received and processed through the online application system.
Moreover, the ministry managed to print 42 809 passports from 1 April to 28 November. This includes 215 diplomatic passports, 452 official passports, 41 991 ordinary passports and 262 refugee passports.
The minister highlighted that the efficiency of its processes and procedures would assist the nation’s ambitions to be a global leader in the energy sector.
The ministry will launch the visa-on-arrival service in the Zambezi region at the Ngoma and Impalila border posts.
Speaking at the same event, Namibian Police inspector general Joseph Shikongo announced that the ministry has acquired a piece of land at Otjomuise to deal with the shortage of police accommodation.
“In Windhoek, we have earmarked a piece of land in Otjomuise that will be called the police village,” he said.
Police accommodation has been a major problem for the police services.
Kawana announced that the ministry also initiated the construction of prefabricated structures at the Rundu police post and Omakange police station.
The force also initiated upgrading projects at the Keetmanshoop, Gobabis, Warmbad and Otjiwarango police stations.
Shikongo announced that the police have purchased 149 vehicles, vessels and trailers to be deployed to various regions.
Secretary to the Cabinet George Simataa said ministry staff should be celebrated as they are at the centre of the improved service delivery.
“The ministry of home affairs was awarded the best re-engineering champions … the re-engineering of service is about doing more with less to ensure service delivery,” he said
The ministry received this award on 24 July at Katima Mulilo.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
