Niël Terblanché
With immediate effect, Namibian nationals will need to apply for a visa to visit the United Kingdom.
According to a statement issued by the British High Commission in Windhoek, the UK Government decided to impose the new visa regime because of the sustained and significant increase since 2016 in the number of UK asylum applications from Namibian nationals at the UK border.
“This constitutes an abuse of the provision to visit the UK for a limited period as non-visa nationals,” British High Commissioner to Namibia, Charles Moore, said.
The changes in the travel regime for Namibians will take effect immediately and will apply to all Namibian nationals travelling to the UK.
Statistics obtained from the UK government’s website state that the number of people applying for asylum in the UK shot up from 137 in 2021 to 651 in 2022 and 844 in 2023. None of the asylum seekers were refused in 2021 whereas 25 people in 2002 and 34 in 2023 were not accepted into the UK.
“Unfortunately, the significant increase in asylum claims from Namibian nationals on arrival at the UK border has made it necessary for us to implement these new measures. We have regularly discussed the increase in asylum applications with the Government of the Republic of Namibia, and continue to work jointly on returning those Namibian nationals who are ultimately determined to be ineligible for asylum in the United Kingdom,” he said.
According to Moore, the changes align Namibia with many other visa-national countries, including many Commonwealth partners, with whom the UK has warm and friendly relations.
Penda Naanda, the Executive Director of the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, confirmed that the notice was sent to the Namibian Government and said that the government has taken note of the announcement made by the UK Government on the new visa requirements for Namibian nationals visiting or transiting the UK.
He added that the matter was immediately referred to Cabinet.
“Cabinet has deliberated on the matter, and has established a special committee to investigate the issue,” Naanda said.
Naanda called on Namibians to remain calm while the Cabinet Committee will deliberate on the issue, to ensure that Namibian nationals are not disadvantaged by the UK’s decision.
Moore said that he fully understands that the imposition of a visa regime will be of concern to the many Namibian nationals who were warmly welcomed to visit the United Kingdom as genuine visitors.
“There will be a four-week transition period until 16 August 2023. During this period, Namibian nationals holding confirmed tickets booked before 19 July 2023 will still be permitted to travel to the UK as a non-visa national,” Moore said.
Visas provide access to the UK while helping to secure the UK border by preventing abuse of the non-visa provision.
Moore added that the UK Government has increased capacity at the Visa Application Centre in Windhoek to accommodate the processing of visitor visa applications in Namibia.
The High Commissioner indicated that visa applications are submitted and paid for online at www.gov.uk/apply-to-come-to-the-uk, after which applicants book an appointment to provide their biometrics and hand over their passports.
He said the UK Government aims to process applications within 15 UK working days of receipt of the passport and biometrics. Applicants can apply up to three months in advance of travel.
Moore reiterated that Namibian nationals who booked travel to the UK before 19 July 2023 will still be eligible to travel to the UK without a visa until 15:00 British Standard Time (BST) on 16 August 2023.
“Any passengers arriving after 15:00 BST on 16 August 2023 will require a visa to enter the UK regardless of when their travel was booked. Anyone booking their flight after 15:00 BST on 19 July 2023 will also need a visa, regardless of when they will arrive in the UK,” he said.
Namibian visitors already in the UK will not be affected by these changes but, once they leave the UK, they will need a visitor visa to make any future visit. Namibian nationals are already required to obtain a visa for other (non-visit) purposes, such as to work or study. Applicants for student or other visas will continue to be able to apply for these visas in Namibia, as they have done previously.
In line with standard UK practice around the world, the British High Commission in Windhoek will not be able to issue visas, receive applications, provide advice on individual needs or applications, or answer any enquiries related to visas.
Moore said that people, who need advice, should check GOV.UK website for guidance. Find a visa application centre – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
