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on the Migration Bill in Windhoek last week, line minister Lucia Iipumbu said Namibia can no longer rely on outdated and fragmented migration systems in an increasingly technology-driven world.
“Namibia cannot continue to rely on outdated, fragmented and largely manual systems in an era where migration management, border security, investment facilitation and service delivery increasingly depend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.
She said the digital-first approach extends beyond convenience and is aimed at strengthening national security and improving public service delivery.
“This digital-first approach is not only about convenience. It is also about improving national security, strengthening integrity controls, reducing administrative delays, supporting lawful travel, facilitating investment and ensuring that the State is able to manage migration in a smarter, faster and more accountable manner,” she said.
According to the minister, the proposed law will also create a legal framework for technologies such as Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record systems, biometric capabilities, interoperable border management systems, secure data-sharing mechanisms and time-bound decision-making.
“In simple terms, we want a migration system that is firm and fair; secure and humane; modern but accountable; and efficient while remaining fully grounded in the Constitution and the national interest,” Iipumbu said.
Khomas Governor Sam Nujoma said migration should not only be viewed from a border management perspective but also as an important driver of economic development.
“Immigrants are not only individuals seeking residence; they are workers, investors, students and families who bring skills, ideas and diversity that strengthen our national fabric,” he said.
Nujoma said Namibia has already demonstrated the economic value of a more accessible migration system through its visa-on-arrival policy.
“This policy has boosted tourism revenues, facilitated business travel and signalled to the world that Namibia is open for engagement. It is a success story that underscores the importance of immigration as a driver of economic activity,” he said.
He said immigration policy should be treated as an economic instrument capable of attracting investment, rare skills and innovation.
“In a globalised economy, nations compete not only for markets but for minds. Namibia must position itself as a destination where talent is welcomed, nurtured and integrated into our development pursuits,” Nujoma said.
Migration policy analyst Maria Hambeleleni Hango said the proposed reforms are in line with global trends where countries increasingly rely on technology to improve migration management and competitiveness.
“A digital migration system can significantly reduce processing times and improve transparency. Investors and skilled professionals often make decisions based on how easily they can access services and obtain permits. Efficient migration systems have increasingly become a competitive advantage for countries seeking investment and talent,” she said.
However, Hango cautioned that digital reforms must be accompanied by adequate infrastructure and strong cybersecurity safeguards.
“The effectiveness of digital migration management depends heavily on data protection, system reliability and institutional capacity. Without these elements, digital systems can create new vulnerabilities rather than resolve existing inefficiencies,” she said.
Economic analyst Erastus Mukuahima said modern migration systems increasingly play an important role in economic development.
“Global investors value certainty and efficiency. When permit applications take months and processes remain largely manual, it sends the wrong signal to investors. A modern immigration framework that facilitates lawful movement and skills attraction can improve Namibia’s competitiveness,” he said.
Mukuahima said the proposed reforms could also help address skills shortages in sectors such as healthcare, engineering and information technology.
“Migration policy is no longer simply about controlling borders. Increasingly, it has become an economic policy instrument that countries use to attract talent, investment and innovation,” he said.
The national consultations on the Migration Bill have now concluded, with the ministry saying submissions received from stakeholders across the country will be analysed and considered before the legislation proceeds to its next stage.
