Namibia, like many other countries in the SADC region, is experiencing a major shift in internal and international migration patterns to and from the country. The management of these movements is posing particular challenges and problems. The government ministry responsible for management (the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration (MHAI)) has sole responsibility for implementing and managing migration policy and legislation. The Ministry also manages visa and permanent and temporary residence applications and approves work permits.

At the same time, the Ministry provides a range of...