Namibia plans digital first-migration system

Patience Makwele

The ministry of home Affairs, immigration, safety and security has proposed an overhaul of Namibia’s immigration framework, with plans to introduce a digital-first migration system designed to speed up services, improve border management and facilitate investment and skills attraction.

Speaking at the official closing of the national consultations on the Migration Bill in Windhoek last week, line minister Lucia Iipumbu said Namibia can no longer rely on outdated and fragmented migration systems in an increasingly technology-driven world.

“Namibia cannot continue to rely on outdated, fragmented and largely manual systems in an era where migration management, border security, investment facilitation and service delivery increasingly depend on technology,” she said.

Iipumbu said the proposed reforms seek to create an integrated migration platform that would allow visa and permit applications to be processed online, supported by electronic payments, real-time case tracking, clear service standards and the issuance of secure electronic documents.