The Namibian government introduced changes to its entry visa requirements that will go into effect April 1, 2025.

Key Points:

  • The new visa policy will require nationals of 31 countries, including Austria, Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the U.K. and the U.S., to obtain a visa for entry.
  • The proposal, submitted by the Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, has been approved by the cabinet and specifically concerns nationals of countries that do not have a reciprocal visa waiver for Namibian nationals.
  • Officials stated that nationals from the 31 countries will no longer qualify for visa-free access until reciprocal visa exemption agreements are in place.

Additional Information: Visitors from these specific countries will be able to purchase a visa upon arrival for a fee of 1,600 NAD (about US$34) for nationals of non-African Union countries, and 1,200 NAD for nationals of African Union member states who meet the requirements.

BAL Analysis: The policy aims to address the disparity in visa requirements between Namibia and Western countries.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

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IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Namibian immigration authorities have restricted the use of short-term work visas to 90 days per year.

What does the change mean? Companies and employees that rely on short-term visas beyond 90 days should be prepared to apply for long-term work permits, a lengthier process that requires local advertising, labor market testing and proof that local candidates were considered.

  • Implementation time frame: The change was implemented in August.
  • Visas/permits affected: Short-term work visas.
  • Business impact: Companies and employees should factor in the additional time and processing if they are required to apply for long-term work permits.
  • Next steps: Employers should be aware that since July 1, certain prerequisites must be met before an application for a new or renewal long-term work permit may be submitted. These include advertising the job with a copy of the advertisement as proof, CVs of Namibian candidates who were rejected and reasons why they were not hired. 

Background: The limitation on short-term work visas was quietly implemented in August along with the more widely publicized across-the board increases in visa fees. Short-term visas were previously easy to obtain and to extend in-country, but because their validities are generally 90 days, they are now effectively limited to one per year.

Analysis & Comments: Namibia is joining a trend among countries increasing enforcement of localization policies that encourage companies to hire resident labor in efforts to reduce local unemployment. In general, employers should no longer rely on short-term visas as a substitute for long-term work permits and prepare to undergo the lengthier processes that are required for long-term work permits. In practice, however, the issuance of short-term work visas remains at the discretion of individual adjudicators and the new rule has not been consistently enforced thus far.

Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Namibian President Dr. Hage Geingob has announced that Namibia intends to waive visa requirements for citizens of all African countries traveling to Namibia on business.

What does the change mean? Once the waiver goes into effect, citizens of African countries who hold a valid passport will be permitted to travel to Namibia for business purposes without first needing to obtain a business visa.

  • Implementation time frame: Ongoing. The president announced Namibia’s plans for a view waiver in May, but the change has yet to be implemented.
  • Visas/permits affected:Business visas.
  • Who is affected:Citizens of African countries traveling to Namibia for business activities.
  • Impact on processing times: The change will save eligible travelers the time it currently takes to obtain a Namibian business visa.
  • Business impact:The government hopes the waiver will help jumpstart business travel to Namibia.
  • Next steps:The Namibian government is expected to announce formal and immediate implementation of the change shortly.

Background: Although citizens of some African countries (Angola, Botswana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe) are currently not required to obtain a visit visa to vacation in Namibia, all foreign nationals are required to obtain a visa if traveling to Namibia for business purposes.

President Geingob’s May announcement that business travel to Namibia will become visa-free for citizens of all African countries is, therefore, a significant change to Namibia’s current immigration policy. It follows Ghana’s recent announcement that it would introduce a new class of visas-on-arrival for citizens of all African Union members.

The Namibian visa exemption will only apply to travelers undertaking short-term business activities in Namibia, such as attending conferences, business meetings and short training courses. Those traveling to Namibia to work must continue to obtain a short-term work visa or other form of work authorization.

BAL Analysis: The change has not taken effect yet but, once implemented, will significantly reduce red tape for eligible business travelers. Travelers are reminded that the new visa waiver will not cover work activities. Contact your BAL professional if you have questions about what form of visa or permit is best for the activities you plan to conduct.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Namibia. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

Copyright © 2016 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.