300 Angolan refugees get residence permits

A total of 300 Angolans living at the Osire refugee camp have been issued with permanent residence permits. This was confirmed yesterday by the Commissioner of Refugees in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration, Nkrumah Mushelenga. Mushelenga said further that a “technical glitch” had resulted in the delay in processing a further 1 700 passports of Angolan refugees, who were supposed to receive them six months ago. “The Angolan government has really been forthcoming in printing the passports of the refugees, but the delay in issuing the recipients their documentation has been on the Namibian side,” he said. He explained the delay is also partly due to the fact that the passports are not being issued in chronological order. Hence, the verifications process is taking longer than anticipated. Mushelenga is pleading for patience from the people who have been identified to be integrated into Namibia, while the ministry addresses the delay. “If we could fast-track the process, we would do so, but we cannot in this matter. We want all who are to be integrated to obtain proper documentation that will not cause them problems when trying to look for work or start businesses. Hence, I appeal for calm and patience as we sort out this minor issue,” said Mushelenga. In March, Namibian Sun reported that the deadline for integration, set for 2 400 Angolan refugees living at the Osire Refugee camp, was extended because of delays in the production and delivery of their passports. The Namibian government granted the refugees permanent residence, after they opted to be integrated into the Namibian regions of their choice. A total of 4 224 Angolan refugees fled to Namibia during the war in that country. However, some have since returned through voluntary repatriation, following the end of the 27-year civil war. The most desired regions chosen by the refugees are Khomas, Otjozondjupa, Erongo, Oshana, Kavango and Ohangwena, which they are most familiar with or have family ties in. Mushelenga said the individuals who have been issued with permanent residence permits are now able to compete in the job market with Namibians, in government and the private sector. WINDHOEK FAITH SANKWASA