Rudolf Gaiseb
Foreign nationals illegally staying in Namibia are to either report to the Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security ministry or face prosecution.
The immigration ministry states that she has given them a grace period in which all foreign nationals who have overstayed their immigration permits/visas and/or who have entered and are in the country illegally to present themselves to immigration authorities so that they can be repatriated out of the country without any prosecution.
Those who have been residing and/or working in Namibia without an appropriate visa or permit must also present themselves to the immigration authorities. In a statement issued by the ministry’s executive director, Daniel Nghidinua, this week, it was stated that some foreign nationals have been non-compliant with immigration laws.
“The nationals did not either enter the country through designated ports of entry and did not present themselves to immigration officers or ended up overstaying their entry visas or permits, thereby violating the Immigration Control Act, 1993, and making themselves liable for arrest and prosecution,” he stated.
With the identified contravention of the Immigration Act, it was noted that in some cases Namibians were involved.
Furthermore, this amnesty is in force from 15 December 2025 to 16 January 2026. The eligible nationals are strongly urged to present themselves voluntarily at the nearest immigration office or at a border post during this period, the statement said.
“They must be in possession of valid travel/identification documents (a passport or a national identity card). They must render their full cooperation to immigration officials to whom they present themselves for facilitation of their departure from the country,” Nghidinua wrote.
If a foreign national who is illegally in Namibia wishes to benefit from the amnesty offer but does not have travel documents (a passport), they must report themselves to the diplomatic mission (embassy/high commission or consulate) of their country of origin and obtain a valid emergency travel document.
Thereafter, they must report or present himself/herself at the nearest home affairs and immigration offices.
The foreign nationals will bear all costs and expenses related to their travel under the amnesty programme; the government will bear no responsibility.
Nghidinua noted Namibian immigration officials will facilitate a lawful exit out of the country and issue the exiting person with required administrative documentation, including a departure notice.
“A five (5) day notice will be issued to facilitate exit at the port of departure/entry (as applicable),” he indicated.
For those whose country borders Namibia and whose travel documents have expired, the officials will still facilitate departure at the port of exit.
“Where transit through another country is required, the departing individual must meet the entry/transit requirements of the transit country and is responsible for securing the necessary travel/transit documentation through the embassy or high commission of his/her country,” he added.