Also known as: Ministry of Home Affairs · MHAISS · Home Affairs Ministry
Namibian government ministry responsible for immigration, citizenship, identity documents, border management, and police services, pursuing digital-first immigration system reforms.
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The Namibian
The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security announced 34,802 Namibians have acquired national documents since mass registration initiative
“The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security announced that a total of 34 802 Namibians have acquired national documents since the introduction of its mass registration initiative for national documents.”
Vice president highlights importance of quality service, national documentsThe Namibian
Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security served 110,620 people through mass registration programme ending 31 July
“The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, has served a total of 110 620 people through its mass registration programme, which ended on 31 July.”
Mass registration campaign helps 110 620 peopleThe Namibian
Ministry of home affairs officials argue that the decision is meant to ensure parity and fairness in diplomatic interactions
“Ministry of home affairs officials argue that the decision is meant to "ensure parity and fairness in diplomatic interactions".”
Dom Trots ‘Visa Regime’ Hurts NamibiansNamibia 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 →
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 →
The Anti-Corruption Commission arrested Petrus Panduleni Mbambus, a former accountant at the Ministry of Home Affairs, in connection with the alleged misappropriation of N$164,540.00 in State funds diverted from identity and travel document applications at the Grootfontein office between April 2017 and March 2018.
24 June 2026 · Informanté →
About 47 police, immigration and Namibia Revenue Agency officials are undergoing customer care training under a Namibia Tourism Board programme, in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs, to provide professional and friendly services to tourists at borders.
23 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Home affairs minister Lucia Iipumbu has dismissed public concerns that Namibia's planned electronic identity documents will be used to microchip and track citizens, stating the e-ID is a secure smart card that stores biometric and demographic information to strengthen security and improve service delivery in line with international standards.
20 June 2026 · The Namibian →
The Omega 1 community has issued a five-day ultimatum to authorities, threatening unspecified action if they are not allocated a dedicated ambulance and other services. The Village Development Committee chairperson stated that the community lacks reliable emergency transport, with the nearest hospital more than 70 kilometres away at Andara Health Centre, and that a medical pick-up bakkie previously assigned to the community was recalled.
19 June 2026 · New Era →
Home Affairs Minister Lucia Iipumbu said Namibia cannot rely on outdated and manual migration systems, and the proposed Migration Bill aims to create a digital-first, efficient, and secure system. The bill's design was informed by countrywide consultations across all regions, with input from border communities, traditional authorities, civil society, and business.
15 June 2026 · Informanté →
The Ministry of Home Affairs plans to replace Namibia's outdated migration systems with a digital-first framework featuring online visa and permit applications, electronic payments, real-time tracking, and secure digital documents. The minister said the reforms aim to improve border management, national security, service delivery and facilitate investment.
15 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The High Court ordered suspended Inspector-General Joseph Shikongo and the ministry of home affairs to compensate activists Michael Amushelelo and Dimbulukeni Nauyoma for arrests and detention following an anti-unemployment protest in March 2023, awarding Amushelelo N$300,000 and Nauyoma N$80,000, plus legal costs.
11 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Vice President Lucia Witbooi urged newly graduated cadet constables from the Namibian Police Force to uphold integrity, professionalism and respect for human rights. The cohort of 670 comprised 382 women and 288 men, marking the first time female graduates outnumbered male counterparts in the training programme's history.
10 June 2026 · Informanté →
The Ministry of Home Affairs has warned travellers against using private e-visa application platforms and agents, stating it has not appointed or authorised any external party to receive e-visa applications or fees. The Ministry has received complaints from international travellers who were directed to or mistakenly accessed private platforms, resulting in payments for visas that were never received.
7 June 2026 · Informanté →
The Ministry of Home Affairs is reviewing immigration legislation enacted in 1993 to address modern migration complexities, introduce pre-arrival information submission systems, and create provisions for investors, business visitors and specialised workers to support economic growth and border security.
1 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security Lucia Iipumbu has flagged that failures at Namibia's border posts are eroding public trust in frontline services. The opinion piece argues that border infrastructure has been treated as a peripheral issue rather than a strategic priority, despite being the country's first and last point of contact with the outside world and crucial economic gateways.
1 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
A Windhoek resident claims the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security issued a duplicate national ID in his name to someone else, leaving him unable to access basic services. The resident has been advised to open a criminal case but is uncertain whom to hold responsible.
29 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Deputy judge president Shafimana Ueitele dismissed an application by Namibia Central Intelligence Service director general Bamba Nghipandua to have a defamation case heard in secret, ruling that a clear case showing it is truly necessary must be made before restricting public access to court proceedings on national security grounds.
25 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Ombudsman Basilius Dyakugha has raised concerns about severe overcrowding in police holding cells across eight northern regions, with facilities such as Omuthiya and Oshakati police stations holding over 800 inmates each, and Katima Mulilo holding over 280 inmates in cells designed for 80. Dyakugha attributed the overcrowding to prolonged case finalization, lack of bail releases, and lengthy investigations.
23 May 2026 · The Namibian →
The Windhoek High Court dismissed an application by the Namibia Central Intelligence Service to hold a secret hearing in a N$1.8 million defamation lawsuit and to restrict media reporting on court documents. Judge Shafimana Ueitele ruled on 19 May 2026 that citizens have a right to know and press freedom must be upheld, rejecting NCIS Director-General Bamba Nghipandua's claim that disclosure would expose the agency's inner workings.
20 May 2026 · Informanté →
An Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association report shows Namibia is producing only about 10 commercial pilots per year, far below the rate needed to replace those lost to attrition and retirement, with companies collectively reporting a need for 60 additional pilots and 14 flight instructors—shortfalls of approximately 46% and 61% respectively.
20 May 2026 · Informanté →