Foreign students in permit panic

Hordes of foreign students, who have been queuing at the home affairs ministry for the past two days to apply for their study visas, are panicking over having to return home without starting or finishing their studies in Namibia.Some of the students have been unable to apply earlier as they are still waiting for police clearance certificates or last year's academic results.One of the students, Cuban national Charity Hernandez, told Namibian Sun she has been queuing for two days and needs her study permit to improve her examination results at the Namibian College of Open Learning (Namcol). She lives in the country, as her mother is married to a Namibian.Another student from Zambia, who spoke on condition of anonymity out of fear of victimisation, said she stood in the line for two days and when she eventually received assistance, she was told to produce proof of her belonging to a medical aid. “That took me another day because I had to run around to get an affordable one. Some people practically slept here, since they came at four in the morning. We are also bullied and threatened by officials who say you will just be deported,” she said. Ministry spokesperson Salome Kambala said the queues are long because people waited until the last-minute to apply for their visas. She encouraged students to start their applications online, if they are in their home countries during the holidays.“We have been announcing since November last year that students must start with their applications. Two days ago these lines were not there. These people were in the country, what were they doing?” she asked.She also criticised those that finish their studies and immediately apply for a work permit, with the intention of finding a job within Namibia. “I am not against that, but you must have proof that you have found a job and with that you apply for a permit. You cannot apply for a permit with the intention of looking for a job here. Even the company that has recruited you must give a letter in which it explains why you are the best candidate for the job,” she said. JEMIMA BEUKES

Foreign students in permit panic

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Namibian Sun 2026-11-09

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Foreign students in permit panic

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Namibian Sun 2026-11-09

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