Immigration Control Act remains a challenge

The Immigration Control Act of 1993 remains an operational challenge due to loopholes, particularly when it comes to the administration of domicile and interpretations by courts. The Act regulates and controls the entry of persons into Namibia, and provides for the removal of certain immigrants. Home Affairs and Immigration Minister Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana said in parliament on Tuesday that “a draft bill in this regard is at an advanced stage, and will soon be tabled in Parliament once all consultations are completed”. With regard to illegal immigrants, she explained that the porosity of Namibia’s borders with its northern and north-eastern neighbours remains a breeding ground for illegal immigration, as it is easy to cross the borderline anywhere. The majority of people who are arrested for illegal immigration are those who crossed borders at places other than designated border posts. “To curb this, the ministry has established regional immigration tribunals in the Zambezi, Kavango, Ohangwena, Oshikoto, Omusati, Kunene and Erongo regions to consider applications for the removal of illegal immigrants,” she said. A total of 3 406 foreign nationals, the majority being Angolans, have been granted citizenship between 2010 and 2014 as per Cabinet decision. Meanwhile, Iivula-Ithana shot down claims by Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) Member of Parliament Jesaya Nyamu that Namibia is a xenophobic country as many Angolans, particularly those on farms who came here due to the war in their country, apparently still do not have citizenship. She said that’s not true, and should not be encouraged by MPs as the country has a lot of expatriates - those who came through the right channels – with some even working in the public and private sectors. Xenophobia means having or showing an intense or irrational dislike or fear of people from other countries. WINDHOEK NAMPA