Also known as: Ministry of Home Affairs · MHAISS · Home Affairs Ministry
Namibian government ministry responsible for immigration, home affairs, and security services including passport issuance, work permits, and digital identity rollout.
Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
The Namibian
Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security is working in partnership with UNDP to visit constituencies to explain what chip-based e-ID will mean
“He was speaking on Monday when he welcomed a team from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security working in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), that will visit all the seven constituencies this week to explain to people what the chip-based e-ID will mean.”
Marginalised communities need inclusion in e-ID rolloutThe Namibian
Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security launched national electronic identity (e-ID) awareness campaign to Omaheke region
“Omaheke governor Pijoo Nganate on Monday welcomed the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security's national electronic identity (e-ID) awareness campaign to the region.”
Omaheke first stop for e-ID rollout campaignWindhoek Observer
Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security has dismissed claims that the country's new e-ID system bears the 'mark of the beast'
“The ministry of home affairs, immigration, safety and security has dismissed claims that the country's new electronic identification (e-ID) system, set to roll out in September, bears the "mark of the beast," describing it instead as a modern innovation designed to streamline service delivery and safeguard citizens' data.”
‘E-ID not a mark of the beast’ – home affairsInformanté
Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security outlined E-ID initiative at Government Information Centre
“Officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security (MHAISS) and the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) outlined the initiative during an information-sharing session at the Government Information Centre (GIC) in Windhoek, explaining that the new smart identity cards will enable secure digital verification, online transactions and improved access to government and private sector services.”
Government to roll out electronic IDs in September to drive digital servicesThe Namibian
Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security reported 69 Namibian citizens are detained in foreign prisons in SADC serving sentences
“The Namibian previously reported that 69 Namibian citizens are detained in foreign prisons in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), where they are serving sentences for different offences, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security.”
Namibia waits for SA prisoner transfer lawWindhoek Observer
Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security requires formal renunciation of Iranian citizenship before Namibian naturalisation
“Fischer-Buder has approached the High Court seeking to overturn a decision by the ministry of home affairs, immigration, safety and security that requires her to formally renounce her Iranian citizenship before she can receive a Namibian certificate of naturalisation.”
Iranian national fights for Namibian citizenship after 24 yearsWindhoek Observer
Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security confirmed electronic identity cards will be rolled out in September 2026
“The ministry of home affairs, immigration, safety and security confirmed earlier this year that electronic identity cards (e-IDs) will be rolled out in September 2026 under the Civil Registration and Identification Act of 2024.”
Digital ID rollout sparks concerns in NamibiaNew Era
Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security is currently developing smart city pilot project with Huawei for Windhoek and Swakopmund
“The President also expressed optimism about the smart city pilot project currently being developed between Huawei and the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security.”
Smart city pilot gains presidential backing … as Huawei eyes Namibia partnershipThe Namibian
Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security was copied on the petition addressing alleged police brutality allegations
“The petition, addressed to Hardap regional commander Sydney Philander and copied to the inspector general and the executive director of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, was handed over on Wednesday.”
Gibeon residents petition police over alleged brutalityWindhoek Observer
Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security carries significant responsibility for ensuring immigration systems are transparent, efficient and credible
“The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security therefore carries a significant responsibility.”
The immigration debate must be guided by law, not emotionThe Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security has launched a new employment permit valid for up to five years, effective immediately, to make Namibia more attractive to investors and improve the investment climate by reducing administrative barriers.
13 hours ago · Informanté →
The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security has launched a new employment permit valid for up to five years, effective immediately, to make Namibia more attractive to investors and improve the investment climate by reducing administrative barriers.
13 hours ago · Informanté →
The Ministry of Home Affairs has been accredited by Cran as Namibia's first certification service provider, allowing it to issue and manage digital certificates for online identity verification and government services. The accreditation, granted under the Electronic Transactions Act and 2025 regulations, is valid for four years and supports the rollout of Namibia's national public key infrastructure and e-ID services.
1 September 2026 · The Namibian →
A reader describes positive experiences at the Ministry of Home Affairs, where a former MP received a passport in one day and the writer obtained a full birth certificate in 30 minutes, crediting the ministry's implementation of the Public Service Charter for its professional service and friendly officials.
1 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's home affairs ministry has introduced the Employment Permit to Conduct Business, effective 1 September 2026, to simplify investor approval and reduce administrative barriers. The new permit, valid for up to five years compared to the standard two-year permit, is intended for qualifying investors whose status has been confirmed by the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board.
20 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Ministry of Home Affairs says international musicians and performers must obtain employment authorisation before entering Namibia to work, even for single events or a few days, under Section 27 of the Immigration Control Act of 1993. The clarification follows cases including South African artist Kamo Mphela, who was unable to perform at the MTC Kasi Vibe festival in Windhoek because of visa issues.
18 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia and Serbia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance law enforcement cooperation in combating transnational crime including terrorism, drug trafficking, cybercrime, organised crime, human trafficking, and money laundering. The agreement was signed by Namibia's Minister of Home Affairs Lucia Iipumbu and Serbia's Deputy Prime Minister Ivica Dačić in Belgrade.
7 August 2026 · Informanté →
Young people at Otjombinde are clearing bush along the Namibia-Botswana border to erect a fence and prevent cattle movement that could spread foot-and-mouth disease, with about 70 community members assigned to the effort as part of government efforts to protect Namibia's FMD-free status.
6 August 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Home Affairs reports that staff losses within the Namibian Police Force have strained operations, with resignations largely linked to poor remuneration. Despite recruitment drives across the security sector in 2024/25 bringing in approximately 4,000–5,000 positions, the ministry continues to experience resignations, retirements, and skills shortages.
6 August 2026 · New Era →
Acting prosecutor general Martha Imalwa has applied to freeze N$3.2 million held in the account of Chinese businessman Yan Qiang, alleging the funds are proceeds of illegal abalone trading, money laundering, and immigration fraud. The case stems from May discovery of 512 frozen abalone at a Windhoek supermarket.
4 August 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Health and Social Services won the overall award at Nipam's second public sector awards ceremony in Windhoek, recognized for investing in professional development and employee capacity building. The ceremony also celebrated 38 public servants who completed Nipam's accredited management programmes at NQF levels 6, 7 and 8.
3 August 2026 · The Namibian →
South African amapiano artist Kamo Mphela apologised after missing a performance at the MTC Kasi Vibe festival in Windhoek over the weekend due to visa issues. According to sources, she had not obtained a work permit and was only permitted to make an appearance; the Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed that foreign artists must comply with Namibia's immigration requirements before performing.
3 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Omaheke governor Pijoo Nganate says rural and marginalised communities, particularly the San population, need to be convinced to adopt the government's planned electronic identification documents if the rollout is to be inclusive. A team from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, partnering with UNDP, is visiting all seven constituencies in the region this week to explain the chip-based e-ID, with concerns raised about low literacy levels among marginalised groups.
29 July 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security launched a national electronic identity awareness campaign in Omaheke, the first region in a nationwide stakeholder engagement drive ahead of Namibia's planned e-ID system rollout in September. The campaign aims to explain the benefits of the digital identity programme and address public concerns over data protection and privacy.
29 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's Ministry of Home Affairs has dismissed religious concerns about the electronic identification (e-ID) system, set to roll out in September, describing it as a modern innovation to streamline service delivery. The ministry is conducting awareness campaigns to address fears and misconceptions, clarifying that the chip will be embedded in the card itself rather than implanted in individuals, and that the card will be valid for ten years.
29 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibia will begin issuing electronic identity cards in September 2026 to modernize public service delivery, strengthen digital security, and support e-government programmes. The smart cards will contain biometric and biographical data and enable secure digital verification and online transactions.
25 July 2026 · Informanté →
The Namibian government has asked the High Court to condone its late filing of a plea in a lawsuit brought by Swakopmund resident Joel Tjombe over the alleged mishandling and decomposition of his mother's body at Okahandja State Hospital. The government attributes the delay to administrative issues involving conflict of interest between two ministries cited as defendants.
23 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibia and South Africa have signed an agreement to allow mutual transfer of sentenced prisoners between the countries, but transfers cannot occur until South Africa passes enabling legislation expected by mid-2027. Namibia has already finalised its side of the arrangement.
21 July 2026 · The Namibian →
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Namibia has rejected the home affairs ministry's assertion regarding work permit applications from foreign pilots.
16 July 2026 · Namibian Sun →
After 24 years in Namibia, Iranian national Atousa Fischer-Buder has approached the High Court to challenge a ministry requirement that she formally renounce her Iranian citizenship before receiving Namibian naturalisation, arguing that Namibia's strict dual-citizenship position should not apply to those unable to complete renunciation procedures in their country of origin.
14 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibia's government plans to introduce electronic identity cards storing biometric and demographic information in September 2026, but public concerns have emerged about data security and whether citizens have received clear information about data collection, storage, and use. Global examples show digital ID systems are vulnerable to breach, and Namibia's cybersecurity readiness remains uncertain.
14 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has endorsed a Huawei-backed smart city pilot project for Windhoek and Swakopmund, stating it must deliver economic benefits, create jobs, and improve public services. She welcomed Huawei's plans to deepen partnership with Namibia in digital infrastructure, AI, and skills development, noting that Huawei has already trained more than 2,000 people through digital skills programmes.
9 July 2026 · New Era →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah met with Huawei executives in Shenzhen to urge the technology company to help create jobs as Namibia embraces artificial intelligence and digital transformation. The president welcomed China's 98 million yuan contribution to Namibia's smart city pilot project and said the partnership would focus on digital skills training to prepare workers for emerging opportunities.
8 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Residents of Gibeon have petitioned the Hardap police regional commander to investigate allegations of police brutality and abuse of authority at Gibeon Police Station, arguing that community members seeking protection were subjected to inhumane treatment and citing concerns about inconsistent handling of criminal cases.
2 July 2026 · The Namibian →
More than 100 Namibians living in South Africa are voluntarily seeking repatriation to Namibia amid rising xenophobic tensions; Namibian authorities are arranging repatriation and verification processes following reports of attacks on foreign nationals.
1 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's rising unemployment and economic stagnation have intensified public debate over immigration, work permits, and border control. The Windhoek Observer editorial argues that while states have the right to regulate immigration, enforcement must follow legal institutions and constitutional principles rather than public mobilisation against particular groups.
1 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibia has launched a voluntary repatriation programme for approximately one thousand citizens residing in South Africa due to growing safety concerns. The government is preparing reception sites across all regions and developing a comprehensive settlement and reintegration plan covering school placements, healthcare, and employment referrals.
1 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibian transport companies are withdrawing drivers from South Africa ahead of a planned anti-immigrant protest and a 30 June deadline set by protesters for illegal immigrants to leave. The withdrawals are disrupting cross-border trade, with companies citing driver safety concerns and insurer warnings of security risks.
29 June 2026 · The Namibian →
The 2024 Marriage Act requires disclosure of existing customary marriages before civil marriages. Anglican bishop Lukas Katenda questions whether the requirement conflates recognised marriages with declarations, though he supports couples disclosing previous relationships; the Coalition of Churches chairperson views the requirement as promoting honesty and protecting spouses.
29 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Home Affairs Minister Lucia Iipumbu told the inaugural Namibia Customer Care and Effective Service Delivery Conference that service delivery is central to institutional credibility and national development. A Citizen Satisfaction Survey recorded 54% overall public satisfaction with government service delivery; the Ministry of Home Affairs recorded about 50%.
29 June 2026 · Informanté →
Namibia welcomed 1,217,108 tourists in 2025, down from 1,257,093 in 2024, a decline the tourism minister attributed to global economic conditions, shifting traveller preferences, intensifying competition from other destinations, and concerns about visitor safety and security.
29 June 2026 · Namibian Sun →