Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security

21/06/2026

HON. DEPUTY MINISTER CALLS FOR PATIENCE AS GOVERNMENT ADVANCES SOLUTIONS TO STATELESSNESS AND UNDOCUMENTED PERSONS

During a community engagement in Noordoewer last week, the Honourable Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, Hon. Edward Wambo, urged residents to exercise patience as Government continues to address matters relating to undocumented persons and statelessness.

The Deputy Minister emphasized that such matters require careful consideration and due diligence . He noted that while Government recognizes the concerns of affected individuals and communities, it is essential that the processes undertaken are thorough, lawful, and guided by the national interest.

Hon. Wambo informed residents that the Ministry is actively addressing the matter through ongoing legislative and administrative measures aimed at providing sustainable solutions to challenges relating to statelessness and undocumented persons. He further highlighted the Ministry’s collaboration with Regional Councils, constituency offices, and other stakeholders in identifying and verifying affected individuals through the submission of names and relevant information.

While acknowledging the urgency of the matter, Hon. Wambo stressed that the integrity of Namibia’s civil registration, citizenship, and immigration systems must be safeguarded at all times. He therefore appealed to community members to remain patient and continue cooperating with the relevant authorities as the Ministry advances the necessary processes.

Community members expressed their appreciation for the Ministry’s engagement and welcomed the opportunity to raise their concerns directly with Government representatives.

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Namibian Police Force (NAMPOL)
Namibian Correctional Service
Ministry of Information and Communication Technology - Republic of Namibia

21/06/2026

DEPUTY MINISTER HON. EDWARD WAMBO CONVEYS MESSAGES OF APPRECIATION AND COMMITMENT FROM H.E. DR. NETUMBO NANDI-NDAITWAH AND HON. LUCIA IIPUMBU TO MINISTERIAL STAFF AND COMMUNITIES IN KHARAS

Last week, as part of his ongoing infrastructure and border inspections, as well as staff and community engagement programme in the Kharas Region, the Honourable Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, Hon. Edward Wambo, conveyed messages from Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and the Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, Hon. Lucia Iipumbu, to ministerial staff and community members in Karasburg, Warmbad, and at Velloorsdrift Border Post.

Addressing officials serving across the Ministry’s various departments and border staff, Hon. Wambo conveyed the leadership’s profound appreciation for their dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to serving the nation. He emphasized that their efforts, often carried out under challenging and remote conditions, are recognized and valued by Government, and that their contribution to national security, civil registration, immigration and border services, and overall service delivery does not go unnoticed.

Engaging with community members, the Deputy Minister reaffirmed Government’s commitment to responsive and inclusive service delivery. He assured residents that their concerns, aspirations, and developmental needs remain a priority and that Government continues to work towards improving the quality and accessibility of services across all regions of the country.

Hon. Wambo further noted that effective governance is a collective responsibility and that engagements such as these demonstrate Government’s commitment to maintaining a direct connection with citizens. While the President and Ministers cannot physically be present in every community at once, Government leadership remains actively engaged through delegated outreach initiatives aimed at listening to communities, assessing service delivery, and ensuring that the voices of the people are heard.

The visit formed part of the Ministry’s broader efforts to strengthen service delivery, assess infrastructure needs, engage frontline personnel, and foster closer collaboration between Government and the communities it serves.




Namibian Police Force (NAMPOL)
Namibian Correctional Service
Ministry of Information and Communication Technology - Republic of Namibia

20/06/2026

PAYING RESPECT TO FALLEN OFFICERS

Keetmanshoop – The Deputy Minister, Hon. Edward Wambo, accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Sackaria Joseph, Head of Infrastructure and Border Management in the //Kharas Region, on Saturday afternoon received the bodies of Sergeant Second Class Ndondji Stephanus Mandjoni and Sergeant Conny Petrus in Keetmanshoop following a tragic road accident that claimed their lives while they were on official duty.

During the solemn reception, Hon. Wambo conveyed heartfelt condolences on behalf of Her Excellency President, Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and the Honourable Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, Lucia Iipumbu, to the bereaved families, colleagues, and the entire Namibian Police Force.

The late Sgt 2 Ndondji Stephanus Mandjoni and Sgt Conny Petrus served the nation with unwavering dedication, professionalism, and commitment. Their selfless service and sacrifice in the line of duty will be remembered with profound gratitude and respect.

As the nation mourns the loss of these brave officers, their legacy of service and devotion to duty will continue to inspire those who remain committed to safeguarding Namibia and its people.

May their souls rest in eternal peace.

20/06/2026

AROAB POLICE STATION AND KLEIN MANASSE BORDER POST VISITED

The Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, Hon. Edward Wambo, visited the Aroab Police Station and the Klein Manasse Border Post as part of his ongoing familiarisation and inspection visits across the //Kharas Region.

During the visit, the Deputy Minister engaged with members of the Namibian Police Force at Aroab Police Station and held discussions with border officials and key stakeholders at Klein Manasse Border Post. The discussions focused on service delivery, border management, operational readiness, and challenges affecting the effective ex*****on of duties.

Addressing officials, Hon. Wambo reiterated Her Excellency President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s message of “Unity in Diversity,” emphasizing the importance of cooperation, inclusivity, and collective responsibility in nation-building. He encouraged all officials to remain committed to serving the public with professionalism, integrity, and dedication.

The visit forms part of the Ministry’s efforts to strengthen service delivery, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure that institutions entrusted with public safety and border management are adequately supported in fulfilling their mandates. fansNamibian Police Force (NAMPOL)Namibian Correctional Service

20/06/2026

18/06/2026

Electronic IDs not the mark of the beast, says Iipumbu

Staff Reporter

THE Minister of Home Affairs, Safety and Security, Lucia Iipumbu, has denied claims that the introduction of Electronic or digital Identification Documents (IDs) involves the implantation of microchips into the bodies of citizens, which some members of the public have dubbed as “the mark of the beast”.

Electronic IDs are set to be rolled out from September 2026 in the country.

Making a statement in Parliament to provide clarity on the matter, Iipumbu said discussions should be guided by facts and accurate information.

“Namibia is committed to modernising identity management in line with international standards and best practices. The initiative aims to strengthen national security, improve service delivery, protect personal identity and support Namibia’s digital transformation agenda,” Iipumbu said.

She added that in August 2023, Cabinet approved the introduction of an electronic identity document and digital identity systems.

“Following that decision, the ministry began the necessary preparations to implement the important national programme,” Iipumbu said.

She added that the electronic Identity Document is a secure and smart identity card that stores biometric and demographic information in digital form, including fingerprints and photographs, and enables real-time identity verification in both physical and digital environments.

She added that the E-ID also helps private and public institutions verify the identity of individuals.

“The ministry is aware of allegations that the E-ID involves the implanting of microchips, which is referred to as the mark of the beast. We categorically reject these claims as false and misleading,” the minister said.

She added that the E-ID does not involve the implantation of any microchip or electronic device into any individual, stressing that the technology is contained on the ID itself, similar to chips found on bank cards.

Iipumbu assured citizens that the E-ID does not have the ability to track, monitor or control the movement of members of the public, saying that government is committed to protecting constitutional rights, which include the right to privacy.

Photo: NBC Digital News

17/06/2026

DEPUTY MINISTER CONDUCTS INFRASTRUCTURE INSPECTIONS AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENTS IN KARASBURG AND ARIAMSVLEI

The Deputy Minister, Hon. Edward Wambo continued his border infrastructure inspection mission in the ǁKharas Region with visits to the Karasburg Police Station and the Ariamsvlei Border Post.

At the Karasburg Police Station, the Deputy Minister inspected the station’s infrastructure, including police accommodation facilities and holding cells, and engaged with staff on matters affecting service delivery, working conditions, and operational effectiveness.

The Deputy Minister also visited the Ariamsvlei Border Post, where he conducted an inspection of border facilities and met with border management stakeholders. The engagement provided an opportunity to discuss the functioning of the border post, infrastructure needs, and collaborative efforts aimed at strengthening border management and security.

The visits form part of the Deputy Minister’s ongoing infrastructure inspections and stakeholder engagements aimed at assessing infrastructure, enhancing service delivery, and strengthening operations.

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Namibian Police Force (NAMPOL)
Namibian Correctional Service
Ministry of Information and Communication Technology - Republic of Namibia

15/06/2026

Deputy Minister Edward Wambo Commences Official Visit in //Kharas Region

Deputy Minister Hon. Edward Wambo has officially begun his programme in the //Kharas Region following the successful completion of staff, community, infrastructure, and border inspection engagements in the Omaheke Region.

As part of the commencement of his visit, the Deputy Minister paid courtesy calls on the Office of the Governor and the Regional Police Headquarters in Keetmanshoop, where he held engagements with regional leadership and senior officials on matters relating to governance, service delivery, and regional development.

During his stay in the region, Hon. Wambo is scheduled to conduct infrastructure assessments, inspect border facilities, and engage with ministry staff and local communities. These activities form part of the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to strengthening service delivery, monitoring key projects, and maintaining close collaboration with stakeholders at regional and community levels.

The visit underscores the Ministry’s dedication to responsive governance and ensuring that services and development initiatives continue to meet the needs of citizens across the country.

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Namibian Police Force (NAMPOL)
Namibian Correctional Service
Ministry of Information and Communication Technology - Republic of Namibia

15/06/2026

Minister Iipumbu promises digital-first system to modernise border control

Staff Reporter

NAMIBIA cannot continue to rely on outdated, fragmented and largely manual systems in an era where migration management, border security, investment facilitation and service delivery increasingly depend on technology, said Lucia Iipumbu, Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, during the closing ceremony of the national consultations on the Migration Bill in Windhoek.

She said the proposed law aims to create a digital-first, efficient, and secure migration system for Namibia.

The Windhoek meeting marked the final leg of countrywide consultations on the Bill, which the ministry has been conducting across all regions to gather public input.

Iipumbu thanked border communities, traditional authorities, regional and local leaders, civil society, business, youth, and other stakeholders for their contributions. She said the experiences of border communities were central to the Bill, as they deal daily with the realities of movement, trade, family connections, and cross-border interaction.

“Your participation has given meaning to this consultation process. Your input has helped to ensure that the Bill is not only shaped by policy and administrative considerations, but also by the lived realities of the people who interact with our migration system,” she said.

One of the key goals of the reform is to build a migration system that is digital-first, efficient, transparent, customer-centred, and a framework that supports online visa and permit applications, electronic payments, real-time case tracking, clear service standards, and secure electronic documents.

She added that the Bill should create a legal environment for modern systems such as Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record, biometric capabilities, interoperable border management systems, and secure data-sharing.

According to her, the digital-first approach is not only about convenience, but also about improving national security, strengthening integrity controls, reducing administrative delays, supporting lawful travel, facilitating investment, and ensuring that the State is able to manage migration in a smarter, faster, and more accountable manner.

Picture for illustrative purposes only. Photo: Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security

15/06/2026

The ministry of home Affairs, immigration, safety and security has proposed an overhaul of Namibia’s immigration framework, with plans to introduce a digital-first migration system designed to speed up services, improve border management and
https://observer24.com.na/namibia-plans-digital-first-migration-system/