Staff Reporter
THE Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security has announced that it has successfully registered over 50,000 people for birth certificates and identity documents through the ongoing National Mass Registration Campaign.
Etienne Maritz, the Ministry’s Executive Director, reported that as of Monday, 24th June, a total of 50,833 Namibians have received birth certificates and identity documents. He also revealed that a total of 7,332 applicants were registered as stateless and undocumented, as they could not provide any documentary proof indicating that they are citizens of any country at the time of registration.
“The mass registration campaign, which commenced on 5th February 2024, received widespread participation across all 14 regions of the country. The initiative is focused on the registration and issuance of birth certificates and identity documents to those who meet the requirements in line with the provisions of the Constitution of the Republic of Namibia and the Births, Marriages and Deaths Act of 1963. The exercise also included the issuance of duplicate birth certificates and duplicate identity documents,” Maritz said.
He highlighted the campaign’s progress as a significant achievement in ensuring comprehensive birth registration and identification in the country. According to him, it shows the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that all Namibians are registered, enabling them to access services like education, healthcare, and social grants, and to participate in other social and economic activities.
Maritz encouraged citizens without national documents or who have lost their documents to visit their nearest Home Affairs Offices or mobile registration centres. The campaign will continue until 30th July 2024, aiming to ensure every citizen is documented.
“The Ministry extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to its dedicated staff members who have worked tirelessly since the commencement of the mass registration campaign, Regional Councillors, and all stakeholders who have contributed to the success of the campaign. Their tireless efforts have been instrumental in reaching and exceeding our registration goals,” he added.
