Government issues over 117 000 ID cards
Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security Lucia Iipumbu on Friday (13 March) briefed the nation on the ministry’s achievements since 2025, outlining progress in civil registration, immigration management, crime prevention and institutional reform aimed at strengthening national security and service delivery.
Speaking during the update in Windhoek, Iipumbu emphasised that the ministry’s constitutional mandate remains central to safeguarding the country’s stability while ensuring every resident is legally recognised and protected under the law.
“Our work touches the life of every person in Namibia,” she said, noting that the ministry’s responsibilities stretch from registering a child at birth to issuing identity documents and passports, protecting borders, preventing crime and rehabilitating offenders within correctional facilities.
The ministry operates through several departments, including civil registration, immigration control and citizenship, refugee management and administration, as well as operational institutions such as the Namibian Police Force and the Namibian Correctional Service. Together, these bodies work to ensure the country remains secure, orderly and inclusive.
According to Iipumbu, the ministry issued 117 175 national identity documents and 126 737 birth certificates in 2025. One of the most notable initiatives was a national registration campaign targeting the marginalised San community between June and August 2025. Through the programme, 22 690 national documents were issued, exceeding the ministry’s initial target of 16 000.
The minister said the initiative helped members of previously underserved communities gain access to essential services such as education, healthcare, social grants and banking.
e-IDs
She further stated that the rollout of electronic identity documents (e-IDs) is progressing well. “We expect to launch this during the 2026/27 financial year, and this will mark a significant step towards modernising identity management systems,” she said.
The digital system is designed to improve identity verification and enable integration across government services and the private sector. Additionally, 682 African guest identity cards were issued to refugees to facilitate access to education, employment and financial services.
In the area of immigration services, the ministry issued 51 285 travel documents, including 50 155 ordinary passports.
A major policy milestone was the implementation of the visa-on-arrival system under Namibia’s visa reciprocity framework. Between March 2025 and January 2026, 289510 visas on arrival were issued, generating more than N$413 million in revenue in less than a year.
Iipumbu said the initiative reflects a balanced approach to strengthening national security while supporting tourism, investment and economic growth.
Border security
Border security also received a significant upgrade after Namibia enrolled in the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s Public Key Directory, a system used globally to authenticate electronic passports. The move is expected to improve passport integrity, strengthen counter-terrorism measures and enhance compliance with international aviation standards.
The ministry also intensified efforts to address undocumented migration and humanitarian concerns.
In cooperation with the Angolan government, 985 Angolan nationals, including more than 700 children living on Namibian streets, were successfully repatriated. A temporary immigration amnesty launched in December 2025 allowed undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country voluntarily without facing arrest or prosecution.
By January 2026, 346 individuals had taken advantage of the programme to return to their countries of origin. The amnesty has since been extended to provide additional opportunity for undocumented migrants to regularise their status or depart voluntarily.
Meanwhile, in partnership with the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Namibia facilitated the voluntary repatriation of 33 Congolese nationals in late 2025.
A new regional office in Kurenkuru in the Kavango West region has been completed and is expected to be inaugurated soon, bringing services closer to rural communities.
Human resources
Human resource capacity was also strengthened through training programmes involving 275 staff members, the filling of 66 vacancies and the promotion of 50 employees. Recruitment processes for an additional 82 posts are currently underway.
On the legal front, the ministry is advancing amendments to several key laws, including the Marriage Act, the Civil Registration and Identification Act, and legislation addressing the status of certain residents and stateless persons. The reforms aim to modernise Namibia’s legal framework and align it with national development priorities such as the National Development Plan 6.
Crime prevention remains a major priority. The ministry conducted six national crime prevention operations across all 14 regions in 2025, involving visible patrols, roadblocks and coordinated security operations.
During the annual firearm amnesty campaign in September 2025, authorities collected 86 firearms and 3 197 rounds of ammunition.
Capacity building within the police force also continued, with 429 officers trained, 1 779 cadet constables graduating and 719 promotions awarded within the force. Additionally, 151 operational vehicles were procured and distributed nationwide.
The introduction of digital Motorola radio communication systems has further enhanced coordination among law enforcement agencies. Infrastructure improvements included the completion of the Omashete police station and upgrades to the Swakopmund police station.
Correctional services
Within the correctional services sector, 426 officers were recruited, while 404 recruits are currently undergoing training. A new clinic at the Kauko Otavi Correctional Facility was inaugurated in December 2025, alongside staff accommodation developments at facilities in Hardap and Katima Mulilo.
Rehabilitation remains central to the correctional system’s mission. During the review period, 1,297 offenders participated in rehabilitation programmes addressing substance abuse, gender-based violence awareness, education and vocational training, achieving 95% of the ministry’s target.
Correctional agricultural projects have also expanded, producing food valued at N$22.6 million, contributing to national food security while equipping inmates with practical skills.
Iipumbu said the ministry will continue strengthening systems, building institutional capacity and expanding service delivery to ensure that every resident is legally recognised and protected.
“Every person in Namibia must be registered, protected and secured within the framework of the law, dignity and human rights,” she said.
She also called on citizens and residents to work with the government to uphold the rule of law and contribute to a safe, inclusive and prosperous Namibia.
