Namibia’s Visa on Arrival system generated N$413,356,900 in revenue for the State in less than twelve months following its rollout on 3 March 2025, with 289,510 visas issued by 31 January 2026.
The Department of Immigration Control and Citizenship recorded notable service delivery outputs during the period under review, including the issuance of 51,285 travel documents, of which 50,155 were ordinary passports. According to the Ministry, the figures reflect sustained improvements in passport processing and administrative efficiency.
The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security’s Executive Director, Daniel Nghidinua, highlighted key achievements and policy priorities within the Department during his New Year staff address held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Windhoek.
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He said one of the most significant milestones of 2025 was the implementation of Namibia’s Visa Reciprocity Policy, following Cabinet approval and the successful rollout of the Visa on Arrival system together with its electronic platform.
The initiative marked a shift towards a more balanced immigration approach aimed at strengthening national security while facilitating tourism, investment and economic growth.
During the same period, the Ministry continued advancing its digital transformation agenda in civil registration and identity management.
“Progress was recorded towards the introduction of electronic Identity Documents and Digital IDs, which are targeted for launch during the 2026/2027 financial year. The initiative is expected to enhance identity security, improve service delivery and strengthen interoperability across government systems,” Nghidinua said.
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In line with its humanitarian and administrative mandate, the Ministry also processed and issued 682 African Guest Identity Cards for refugees, enabling access to essential services such as education, banking, employment and other basic services in Namibia.
Speaking at the same event, Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security Lucia Iipumbu issued directives on the implementation of outstanding visa reforms. She emphasised that all visa proposals must be finalised for implementation by 1 April, with stakeholder inputs consolidated without delay and final engagements concluded by mid-February.
“Implementation measures will begin in March, following the phased approach successfully applied during the rollout of the Visa on Arrival system. A grace period will be announced to allow domestic and farm workers to regularise their documentation before new visa requirements come into effect on 1 April,” Iipumbu said.
The Minister further instructed that business visa proposals be resubmitted to Cabinet once all stakeholder inputs have been fully incorporated and validated, stressing that legal and technical teams must work concurrently to avoid implementation delays.
On performance and financial management, Iipumbu commended the Ministry’s implementation rate, particularly in budget execution, which stands at 84.75%. She described the figure as evidence that the Ministry can deliver when efforts are focused, coordinated and disciplined.
“Performance is not a resting place; it is a standard. The next level will come when we tighten coordination, reduce avoidable delays and ensure that every programme we approve is carried through to completion with the same discipline we apply to spending,” the Minister said.
This article was first published here in partnership with The Brief