The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security has announced that it is not necessary for members of the public to exchange their current Identification Document (ID) cards with the new-look IDs that were launched recently.

The ministry in a media statement said it has observed that members of the public are visiting its offices to exchange their current IDs with the new-look IDs. It said the old IDs are still valid.

“The ministry would like to inform the public that there is no need for anyone to exchange their IDs with the new-look IDs. All current IDs remain valid, only newly issued IDs, including duplicates, will be in the new format,” it said.

It further added that first-time applications for IDs will remain free of charge. However, duplicates will be charged for in order to encourage citizens to take care of their ID cards.

Those applying for their first duplicates will be required to pay a fee of N.dollars 150, while the second duplication will cost N.dollars 300, the third N.dollars 450, the fourth duplication N.dollars 600 and the fifth, N.dollars 750.

The ministry also appealed to members of the public who applied for IDs to approach its regional offices to collect their IDs, because there are a lot of uncollected ID cards at its various offices around the country.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency