Lahja Nashuuta
The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security has sent a stern warning to foreign students who apply for study permits but engage in other businesses in the country, saying it is against the Immigration Control Act.
The ministry’s chief public relations officer Margaret Kalo said the law will take its course on any person found illegally in Namibia, as stipulated under that Act.
She cautioned students who apply for study permits not to engage in other businesses or forms of employment as it is against the immigration law, and those found guilty of such conduct will have appropriate measures taken against them.
Kalo said non-Namibian nationals who wish to take up employment in the country either temporarily or by freelancing, must apply for an employment permit before engaging in any type of work.
“The requirements for an employment permit are clear. The position must have been advertised in the local newspapers (posts must be widely advertised and copy (s) of newspaper advertisements must be provided), copies of unsuccessful Namibian candidates’ CVs must be provided, and a detailed motivation letter from the employer why a non-Namibian should be granted an employment permit,” Kalo stated.
Meanwhile, prospective foreign students who intend to pursue their educational career in Namibia are being urged to apply for study permits, as the due date draws closer.
The study permit applications which resumed on 15 September 2023, will end on 29 February. Both new and old students are encouraged to apply or renew their study permits before the deadline.
Kalo cautioned the foreign students to make use of the provided application period, as there will be no provisions for extension this year.
She revealed that from January 2023 to 17 January 2024, the ministry has issued 3 064 permits to foreign students who applied for study permits in total.
Many prospective international students are mainly from Angola, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Besides that, the ministry has also noticed a high number of international students on exchange programmes, whereby Namibian students are exchanging study periods with international students.
In terms of challenges, Kalo said applicants continue to submit their application forms at the last minute, although the ministry announces study permit application periods in advance. This then puts a lot of pressure on the staff members.
“The public notice calling on prospective foreign students who have enrolled or wish to enrol with Namibian educational institutions was issued on 13 November 2023, with the due date set for 29 February 2024,” she reiterated.
Furthermore, he ministry noticed that most students do not comply with the requirements as stipulated in the application form, and this results in a high number of applications being rejected.
“As a responsible ministry, we have been liaising with all the universities and institutions of higher learning, and we noticed that there is a number of foreign students admitted at those institutions who are yet to apply for the permit,” Kalo said.
The study permit application forms are available on the ministry’s website (www.mha.gov.na), and they should be accompanied by certified copies of all the required documents.
Among the required documents to be attached include the proof of acceptance from the educational institution, the period of study, and proof of payment for the period of study in Namibia.
As part of the requirements, students are furthermore requested to submit proof of return itinerary and flights, relevant academic certificates proving acceptance at the educational institution, as well as proof of International Health Insurance.
The student is further urged to submit proof of accommodation, for example student residence, digs or host family, medical certificate, and a police clearance certificate from their country of origin or their last country (or countries) of residence from the time they were 18 years of age.
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