The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security has garnered praise from lawmakers in the National Council following the announcement of an additional N$32 million allocation to enhance its services.
Swapo MP John Likando commended the ministry’s management and its minister for their outstanding work over the years. However, he suggested that Namibia could benefit from adopting a border management system similar to South Africa’s, which could help mitigate illegal border crossings and smuggling.
Likando emphasized that these illegal activities threaten the country’s economy and security, underscoring the need for stronger border controls to protect national resources.
“We have recently enacted laws that benefit individuals who have resided here for an extended period. Given our small population, we might consider emulating our neighboring country, South Africa, by establishing a border management system. This would help curb illegal entry and exit, which impacts our national income and contributes to the long-standing issue of smuggling.”
Swapo MP Andreas Amundjindi also praised the ministry for addressing the backlog of citizens awaiting national documents. Between February and July, many individuals who lacked IDs or birth certificates received them. Amundjindi urged citizens who have not yet collected their documents to do so.
“I encourage those who have received their documents, especially IDs, to visit the offices and collect them so they can have their proper documentation.”
Other MPs echoed these sentiments, commending the Ministry for its progress in improving service delivery. They also welcomed the ministry’s initiatives to construct new police stations aimed at enhancing public safety and security across the country.