Endjala warns Namibians not to hire illegal immigrants

Omusati governor Erginus Endjala is warning Namibians to not hire and abuse Angolan immigrants who have returned seeking employment.Endjala said they will work with the police in his region to make sure that the immigrants are not exploited and exposed to harsh employment conditions.Thousands of Angolan nationals entered Namibia last year fleeing a devastating drought affecting their areas of origin in southern Angola.No longer welcomeThey were repatriated in January this year but have since returned to Namibia, expressing dissatisfaction with the humanitarian aid provided by the Angolan government.Endjala said they are now considered illegal immigrants who will be deported if they are caught. They will no longer receive aid as refugees.The Angolans are now being employed as cheap labour in the border regions of Omusati and Ohangwena.Endjala said his office was informed that most of the illegal immigrants are currently employed to do casual work or as domestic workers and shepherds and are paid very little.“This is totally unacceptable. We assisted these people last year so they could live a decent life to the capacity which the Namibian government could assist. No one has the right to employ an immigrant who has no documents,” he stressed.Endjala is pleading with Omusati residents to notify his office or the police if they see any of the Angolans being employed illegally.Don&#039;t encourage themHe said those members of the community who employ illegal immigrants are encouraging illegal immigration and depriving Namibians of job opportunities."There are those members of the community who prefer employing illegal immigrants because they are cheaper, to the detriment of Namibians who too need jobs," Endjala said, adding that illegal immigration will never stop as long as local employers continue offering jobs to people who are in Namibia illegally."The more we employ them, the more they will keep coming," he said.Omusati police commissioner Titus Shikongo confirmed that employing illegal immigrants is a punishable offence and those found doing so will be prosecuted.Shikongo said those hiring underage children will be charged with child labour offences too.He added that if the immigrants lose their lives in Namibia it might affect relations between the two countries.“It is best to do things the legitimate way. Let them apply for work permits and if granted they can take up the job offers,” he said.– tuyeimo@namibiansun.com

Endjala warns Namibians not to hire illegal immigrants

Comments

Namibian Sun 2026-10-27

Please login to leave a comment

Endjala warns Namibians not to hire illegal immigrants

Comments

Namibian Sun 2026-10-27

Please login to leave a comment

Subscription Required to Access Content ×

Subscription Required to Access Content