Windhoek:Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, Lucia Iipumbu, has announced plans to create dedicated cashier positions at ports of entry. This initiative aims to reduce the workload on immigration officers who currently handle multiple tasks, including Visa-on-Arrival (VOA) payment collections.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the minister addressed these concerns during a session in the National Assembly, responding to observations that immigration officers are overburdened and understaffed, performing both immigration and cashier duties. Immanuel Nashinge of the Independent Patriots for Change highlighted that since the VOA program's inception, it has generated over N$40 million, intensifying the need for additional support.

Iipumbu acknowledged the dual responsibilities being managed by immigration officers and emphasized the ministry's recognition of the need for officials to be deployed according to their specific roles. Although the ministry's current structure lacks designated cashier positions, ongoing structural reviews aim to address this gap, particularly at major ports such as Hosea Kutako International Airport and other locations offering VOA services.

The minister noted that a proposal has been submitted to the Public Service Commission to strengthen the allocation of duties and human resources. The review includes improving the appointment and deployment of officials to cashier roles, enabling immigration officers to concentrate on processing immigration tasks.

Additionally, Nashinge questioned Iipumbu about the ministry's failure to pay overtime to immigration officers at southern border posts since April 2025. Iipumbu explained that while a request for overtime approval was submitted timely, delays in final approval occurred due to further administrative and financial consultations and verifications. She acknowledged the operational challenges posed by such delays, especially in maintaining essential services.