Namibians’ UK asylum applications surge by 337%
• UK says visa-free system abused
Following the United Kingdom's decision to slam doors in the face of Namibians seeking asylum, staggering statistics have emerged.
Humanitarian challenges and sexual orientation have emerged as key reasons used by Namibians seeking asylum in the United Kingdom (UK), with Namibians now ranking amongst the top 20 globally seeking to relocate to that country.
Official data perused by Namibian Sun reveals a striking surge in applications by Namibian asylum-seekers, with a staggering increase of 337% between 2017 and March 2023.
But the Namibian government is adamant that, apart from high unemployment rates, Namibia is generally a safe country to live in where “no one is being prosecuted”.
In 2017, the number of applicants jumped to 101 from 16 in 2016, and in 2018, it doubled to 265. In 2019, it doubled again to 436.
However in 2020, when the Covid-19 pandemic peaked and planes were grounded, it dropped to 228 and again to 137 in 2021. But when countries reopened their borders, applications drastically increased to around 860 in 2022.
The highest number of applications for asylum by Namibians were submitted by March this year, totalling a massive 935.
The data further shows that Namibia is listed as one of the main applicants for asylum based on sexual orientation, ranking as the third-highest after Uganda and Nigeria.
'Not in our hands'
Meanwhile, according to an analysis by Facilit8 Namibia, between 2016 and 2020, a total of 61 Namibians were granted asylum and five were granted humanitarian protection and discretionary leave.
A total of 595 applications were refused between 2008 and 2022.
Executive director in the international relations ministry, Penda Naanda, said government remains in constant communication with its UK counterpart, especially after they raised the alarm earlier this year.
“As far as know, Namibia is a peaceful country and people are not prosecuted for the reason mentioned, and when the UK grants asylum on humanitarian grounds, they must explain under which conditions they would do so.
“For us, we know we have a problem with unemployment and no one is prosecuting people because they cannot find a job. If people are seeking asylum in the UK, then it is not in our hands.
“If the UK then also decides to deport people, the only thing we should do is to establish if the person is indeed a Namibian,” he said.
‘Lucky’ few
Facilit8 Namibia data also shows that between 2008 and 2021, a total of 169 applications were withdrawn.
During the same period, 412 appeals were lodged, 265 were dismissed and 108 were allowed, while 27 were withdrawn.
Between 2013 and 2021, a total of 138 asylum-seekers were granted asylum status.
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Official data perused by Namibian Sun reveals a striking surge in applications by Namibian asylum-seekers, with a staggering increase of 337% between 2017 and March 2023.
But the Namibian government is adamant that, apart from high unemployment rates, Namibia is generally a safe country to live in where “no one is being prosecuted”.
In 2017, the number of applicants jumped to 101 from 16 in 2016, and in 2018, it doubled to 265. In 2019, it doubled again to 436.
However in 2020, when the Covid-19 pandemic peaked and planes were grounded, it dropped to 228 and again to 137 in 2021. But when countries reopened their borders, applications drastically increased to around 860 in 2022.
The highest number of applications for asylum by Namibians were submitted by March this year, totalling a massive 935.
The data further shows that Namibia is listed as one of the main applicants for asylum based on sexual orientation, ranking as the third-highest after Uganda and Nigeria.
'Not in our hands'
Meanwhile, according to an analysis by Facilit8 Namibia, between 2016 and 2020, a total of 61 Namibians were granted asylum and five were granted humanitarian protection and discretionary leave.
A total of 595 applications were refused between 2008 and 2022.
Executive director in the international relations ministry, Penda Naanda, said government remains in constant communication with its UK counterpart, especially after they raised the alarm earlier this year.
“As far as know, Namibia is a peaceful country and people are not prosecuted for the reason mentioned, and when the UK grants asylum on humanitarian grounds, they must explain under which conditions they would do so.
“For us, we know we have a problem with unemployment and no one is prosecuting people because they cannot find a job. If people are seeking asylum in the UK, then it is not in our hands.
“If the UK then also decides to deport people, the only thing we should do is to establish if the person is indeed a Namibian,” he said.
‘Lucky’ few
Facilit8 Namibia data also shows that between 2008 and 2021, a total of 169 applications were withdrawn.
During the same period, 412 appeals were lodged, 265 were dismissed and 108 were allowed, while 27 were withdrawn.
Between 2013 and 2021, a total of 138 asylum-seekers were granted asylum status.
[email protected]
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