Windhoek, Namibia – The Namibian Government has opened a limited-time amnesty for foreign nationals residing in the country without proper legal status, allowing them to regularise their situation or leave without fear of arrest or prosecution. The programme runs from 15 December 2025 to 16 January 2026 and is administered by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security (MHAISS).
Minister Honourable Lucia Lipumbu MP, citing powers under the Immigration Control Act of 1993 (Act No. 7 of 1993), announced the initiative after authorities observed widespread non-compliance. This included foreigners entering Namibia outside designated border posts, failing to report to immigration officers, overstaying visas or permits, and residing or working in the country without valid authorisation. Some cases reportedly involved Namibian nationals assisting in these violations.
The amnesty applies to foreign nationals who, prior to its start, had overstayed visas or permits, or were living or working illegally in Namibia. Those eligible are urged to report voluntarily to the nearest immigration office or border post. They must cooperate fully with officials and present valid travel or identification documents, such as a passport or national identity card.
Foreign nationals without passports are advised first to approach their embassy, high commission, or consulate to obtain emergency travel documents before presenting themselves to Namibian immigration authorities.
The Ministry clarified that all travel and related costs under the programme must be covered by the individuals themselves. Immigration officials will facilitate lawful departure, issuing necessary administrative documents, including departure notices. A five-day notice will be provided to allow exit through the port of departure or entry. Individuals whose home country borders Namibia and whose documents have expired will still be assisted to exit. Those requiring transit through another country must meet the transit country’s entry requirements and secure necessary documentation through their home country’s embassy or high commission.
The Ministry urged Namibians in contact with undocumented foreign nationals to act responsibly and help them take advantage of this one-off opportunity. Employers, community leaders, and civil society organisations were called on to support the Government in ensuring lawful migration and compliance.
Members of the public are advised to rely only on official communications from MHAISS offices to avoid misinformation. For clarification, the Ministry’s Public Relations Desk can be contacted via 081 951 0064, 081 951 0724, or 081 951 0066, and the Director of Immigration and Border Control, Ms Danelie Naris, can be reached at 081 951 0357.
The amnesty notice was issued on 15 December 2025 by Executive Director Nghidinua Daniel at the Ministry’s headquarters in Windhoek.
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