The governor of Ohangwena region, Walde Ndevashiya, has discouraged the public to desist from employing Angolan nationals without working permits, saying the act could have serious repercussions.
Ndevashiya said there are due processes to be followed and employers should assist their workers to obtain such work permits.
“We are discouraging the public not to engage in illegal recruitment of Angolan nationals without work permits. Let us follow the established regulations in place in order to protect the interest of both the employee and the employer,” said Ndevashiya.
Ndevashiya said the number of Angolan nationals seeking employment at Oshikango has since reduced.
He said they have either returned to their country or have obtained employment in Namibia.
Although there are no temporary or long-lasting plans to assist these migrants, the governor said several business personalities have come to their aid by providing them with food.
“Unlike the migrants in Omusati, these ones, do not really want food. They are more focused on finding jobs in homesteads and farms,” Ndevashiya said.
The migrants at Oshikango are seasonal travellers to Namibia in search of jobs this time of the year.
Ndevashiya said, at the moment, those who are found not to have permits are deported.
He said the issue of the migrants was not a point of discussion when the Angolan Ambassador to Namibia Jovelina Costa visited the region.
Costa, however, said there was a need to engage Namibian farmers to desist from employing Angolans without permits, as it can be construed as human trafficking.
Ndevashiya said the meetings with the ambassador focused on finding a remedy to have Angolan nationals who have been living and qualify to get permanent residence to acquire such status.
He said, from the meeting, it was established that there are a number of Angolan nationals who have been living in Namibian for 15-20 years, employed in Namibia or are married to Namibians, but their applications have not been considered.
“I have requested the office of the Angolan consulate to compile the names of the people so that I can make a follow up to see why their application did not get approved,” said Ndevashiya.
– nashipala@nepc.com.na