Windhoek: The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security has outlined a delivery agenda aimed at improving public services, strengthening border control, and enhancing national security. Addressing the ministry's staff, Minister Lucia Iipumbu emphasized the need for urgency, discipline, and accountability across all departments, urging alignment with national priorities to eliminate inefficiencies that frustrate the public.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Iipumbu stressed that slow service delivery, inconsistent requirements, and errors in civil registration are unacceptable. She pointed out that poor data capture can have lifelong impacts on citizens. 'We cannot afford activity without impact,' Iipumbu stated, highlighting the importance of providing clear and timely guidance to the public, even when services cannot be rendered.
The minister directed urgent action on key reforms, including finalizing immigration and visa regulations by 01 April 2026, fast-tracking a statelessness bill for tabling in Parliament by June, and expanding birth registration services to more hospitals to ensure every child has a legal identity. Additionally, she called for enhancements at border posts, improved collaboration within the security cluster, and accelerated implementation of capital projects to mitigate waste and audit risks.
Iipumbu also acknowledged the ministry's progress, citing an implementation rate of 84.75 per cent and improved turnaround times in passport issuance as evidence of the ministry's capability to deliver when systems and accountability are aligned.
Executive Director Daniel Nghidinua reported that an amnesty campaign resulted in the surrender of 86 firearms and 3,197 rounds of ammunition. He noted that from 03 March 2025 to 31 January 2026, a total of 289,510 visas on arrival were issued, generating N.dollars 413,356,900 for the State.
Police capacity was enhanced through the graduation of 1,779 cadet constables, the promotion of 719 officers, and the deployment of new vehicles and digital radio systems. The Namibian Correctional Service appointed 426 officers, expanded inmate rehabilitation programs, and produced food valued at N.dollars 22.6 million to support self-sufficiency.
Last year, 117,000 identity documents and 126,000 birth certificates were issued, while nearly 22,700 members of the San community received national documents under relaxed requirements. Immigration operations included the repatriation of 985 Angolan nationals and the facilitation of voluntary returns under an ongoing immigration amnesty, which has been extended to 27 February.