Staff Reporter
IN a move aimed at making Namibia more attractive to investors, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security launched a new employment permit to conduct business, with a validity of up to five years.
Minister Lucia Iipumbu announced the reform in Windhoek on Tuesday, saying that the new permit and revised application requirements take effect immediately.
She said that the changes were made possible through an amendment to Regulation 17 of the Immigration Control Act of 1993.
“Government remains committed to improving Namibia’s investment climate by removing unnecessary administrative barriers, improving efficiency and providing greater certainty to investors and the wider business community,” she said.
Iipumbu said the launch is part of Government’s broader commitment to creating an enabling environment for investment, supporting economic growth and strengthening Namibia’s position as a business destination, in line with Vision 2030 and NDP6.
“We recognise that investment must translate into tangible benefits for the Namibian people. We therefore encourage investors to contribute meaningfully to our economy through business development, skills transfer, innovation, industrialisation and the creation of employment opportunities for Namibians,” she said.
Iipumbu said that the reform is anchored on three changes to the visa regime:
– New administrative requirements for General Employment Permits to streamline application and processing;
– Introduction of a new Employment Permit to Conduct Business specifically for investors and businesspersons whose investor status has been confirmed by the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB);
– New application requirements specifically for the Employment Permit to Conduct Business.
According to her, the biggest change for investors is the permit’s duration. Unlike the usual two-year General Employment Permit, the new business permit may be issued for up to five years.
“This extended validity provides investors with greater certainty for long-term planning, business operations and growth. Importantly, the permit will also function simultaneously as work authorisation,” Iipumbu said.
The new application form is intended only for investors whose status has been confirmed by NIPDB, Iipumbu said. “Other applicants will continue to use the existing Employment Permit form,” she said.
She explained the application process, saying that all applications must first be submitted through the NIPDB for an economic evaluation and impact assessment. The proposal will then go to the Chief of Immigration for consideration by the Immigration Selection Board.
All applications must be submitted manually. Upon approval, the fee will be N$2,600, the same as for a General Employment Permit.
Application forms will be available on the Ministry’s website, at Ministry offices countrywide, at the One Stop Service Centre at BIPA Head Office in Windhoek, and at NIPDB offices.
The Ministry is also in consultation with the Ministry of International Relations and Trade to facilitate applications received through Namibian missions abroad.
The Minister urged investors, NIPDB, BIPA, industry representatives and officials to familiarise themselves with the new requirements to ensure “smooth, transparent and effective implementation.”
Photo: Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security
