Proposal seeks to attract African diaspora through immigration reform

Namibian youth leader Sem David Imbodi has submitted a detailed policy proposal to the justice and labour relations ministry, recommending the creation of a legal framework to support the return, integration and recognition of people of African descent through ancestry-based immigration, residency and citizenship.The proposal targets descendants of Africans displaced by the transatlantic and Indian Ocean slave trades, as well as through colonial-era displacement.The African diaspora refers to people who have left or were forced to leave their ancestral homelands and now live in other parts of the world, often maintaining cultural or emotional ties to their country of origin.Ancestry-based returnsThe proposal calls for the introduction of three immigration categories: a Namibian diaspora return visa that permits individuals to enter, stay and leave a country, which is valid for five years; a diaspora integration visa, valid for seven years, and an eventual path to permanent residency or citizenship after a total period of 12 years.Applicants would be required to verify their ancestry through genealogical records, DNA testing or internationally recognised proof. They would also need to meet conditions such as having a clean criminal record and demonstrating financial self-sufficiency.Imbodi pointed to efforts in countries such as Ghana and Senegal, where &#039;year of return&#039; and &#039;beyond the return&#039; have attracted African diaspora communities through investment and cultural engagement.He noted that Namibia lacks a comparable legal or administrative framework and argued that creating one could yield economic and diplomatic benefits, including increased foreign direct investment, tourism and cultural diplomacy.Support for returneesTo incentivise participation, the proposal recommends fast-tracked permanent residency or citizenship for applicants who invest a minimum of N$1 million in government-aligned national development projects. These investments could reduce the total waiting time by up to five years, accelerating the return process for high-impact contributors.Support structures proposed include the establishment of a diaspora affairs office under the labour ministry, in coordination with the international relations ministry.This office would assist with legal processes, housing, business registration and partnerships between returnees and local communities. It would serve as a central support unit for navigating integration into Namibian society.A compulsory orientation programme was also proposed, to be completed within six months of arrival.Sustainable implementationImplementation and oversight would be led by a dedicated diaspora and investment unit.Regular monitoring and evaluation would assess socio-economic outcomes, ensuring transparency, accountability and opportunities for policy adjustments.Regional partnerships with organisations such as the African Union and SADC are also proposed to strengthen mobility and trade integration across the continent.

Proposal seeks to attract African diaspora through immigration reform

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-09

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Proposal seeks to attract African diaspora through immigration reform

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-09

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