Foreign pilot work permits assessed fairly, ministry says amid critical shortage

The home affairs ministry has dismissed allegations that it is deliberately rejecting work permit applications for foreign pilot instructors, amid mounting concerns over a deepening skills shortage in Namibia’s aviation sector.Ministry spokesperson Margaret Kalo told Namibian Sun all applications are assessed strictly in line with set requirements, and rejections are issued only when applicants fail to submit the necessary documentation.“If your application is rejected, not only for pilot instructors but for any application, we provide the reason for the rejection,” she said.Kalo explained that most rejections stem from incomplete submissions, with applicants often failing to attach all required documents. “We clearly indicate what is missing. For example, we will state that you did not attach documents A, B or C,” she said.The ministry’s primary requirement is that applicants submit all necessary documentation.“As long as you meet the requirements, there is no reason for the ministry to reject your application,” Kalo noted, adding that applicants may appeal decisions if they believe their submissions were complete.“There is no foul play. The ministry is approving applications according to the measures we have put in place,” she said.Critical shortage of pilots, trainersInterviews with members of the local aviation sector highlight that aviation industry is grappling with a severe shortage of pilots and flight instructors, affecting both operations and the training of new entrants.According to the findings, some student pilots funded through the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) are unable to continue training due to a lack of available instructors.Research by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) of Namibia indicates that all available Namibian commercial pilots and flight instructors are fully employed. At the same time, work visa applications for foreign pilots and instructors are reportedly frequently rejected.An AOPA source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Namibia produces on average only 10 commercial pilots annually, far below industry demand, which runs into dozens of pilots.“In short, Namibia cannot produce the number of pilots required to serve the industry’s needs,” the source said.The individual warned that the aviation sector, largely limited to charter and regional operations in Namibia, relies on a constant pipeline of pilots, many of whom eventually leave for better-paying international opportunities.Potential undermined The source added that Namibia must both expand local training and allow the import of skilled personnel to bridge the gap, noting the country’s potential to position itself as an international pilot training destination due to favourable flying conditions.Namibian Sun further understands that several aviation companies are reportedly on the brink of retrenching non-pilot staff due to grounded aircraft and lost revenue linked to the shortage of pilots and instructors.Industry experts warned that the lack of instructors is particularly critical, as it directly limits the ability to train new pilots, creating long-term consequences for the sector.Mulling solutionsPrivate pilot Gustav Gawiseb said regulated intake of foreign instructors could help address the crisis while building local capacity, suggesting a structured programme to train Namibian pilots alongside imported expertise.Another industry expert said the situation risks triggering a “downward spiral”, where fewer pilots lead to fewer flights, reduced training and broader job losses across the aviation value chain.Meanwhile, acting accountable manager at the Namibian Aviation Training Academy, Mathew !Haradoeb, said visa challenges are partly rooted in industry practices, including the employment of low-paid foreign pilots primarily seeking to build flight hours before leaving the country.He added that while foreign instructors have historically played a key role in training local pilots, the sector must strike a balance to ensure sustainable growth and skills development.nikanor@nmh-hub.com.na

Foreign pilot work permits assessed fairly, ministry says amid critical shortage

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Namibian Sun 2026-03-20

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Foreign pilot work permits assessed fairly, ministry says amid critical shortage

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Namibian Sun 2026-03-20

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