Namibian ‘asylum-seekers’ face UK deportation
Over 1 000 Namibians who relocated to the United Kingdom (UK) - in search of a better life - are on tenterhooks after that government put plans in motion to deport hundreds of them back to Namibia.
With more than 230 Namibians already deported since the process started in December 2022, official statistics indicate that the figure could jump to more than 1 200 in the coming months.
The ministry of international relations and cooperation has revealed that 90% of applications received by Namibian asylum-seekers in the UK have been declined.
This has prompted British High Commissioner to Namibia, Charles Moore, to reach out to the Namibian government to deal with the matter, especially the return of those facing imminent deportation.
“There have been some new developments following a proposal made by the British home office in a meeting with the Namibian High Commission in London. The proposal is for cooperation in developing a mechanism to deport Namibian nationals whose applications for asylum were rejected," he said.
"The deportation set to take place can either [be on a] voluntarily basis or forcibly,” a statement read.
Consequence of circumstance
Namibian citizen and civil rights activist Petrus Undari challenged the move, saying those living in the UK were not being provided with any opportunities back in Namibia.
“This move is unjustified. If someone comes to you as being under threat, you ought to offer them refuge,” he said.
Namibians living in the UK were not there by choice but as a consequence of circumstance, Undari added.
“We have serious human rights issues, economic, gay and lesbian illegalities and forced marriages that force people to seek refuge in the UK.”
Undari said it would make more sense for the two governments to find solutions before looking at deportation.
“Both countries are Commonwealth states. The governments should sit and talk to seek solutions.”
With more than 230 Namibians already deported since the process started in December 2022, official statistics indicate that the figure could jump to more than 1 200 in the coming months.
The ministry of international relations and cooperation has revealed that 90% of applications received by Namibian asylum-seekers in the UK have been declined.
This has prompted British High Commissioner to Namibia, Charles Moore, to reach out to the Namibian government to deal with the matter, especially the return of those facing imminent deportation.
“There have been some new developments following a proposal made by the British home office in a meeting with the Namibian High Commission in London. The proposal is for cooperation in developing a mechanism to deport Namibian nationals whose applications for asylum were rejected," he said.
"The deportation set to take place can either [be on a] voluntarily basis or forcibly,” a statement read.
Consequence of circumstance
Namibian citizen and civil rights activist Petrus Undari challenged the move, saying those living in the UK were not being provided with any opportunities back in Namibia.
“This move is unjustified. If someone comes to you as being under threat, you ought to offer them refuge,” he said.
Namibians living in the UK were not there by choice but as a consequence of circumstance, Undari added.
“We have serious human rights issues, economic, gay and lesbian illegalities and forced marriages that force people to seek refuge in the UK.”
Undari said it would make more sense for the two governments to find solutions before looking at deportation.
“Both countries are Commonwealth states. The governments should sit and talk to seek solutions.”
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article