Namibia has launched online applications for employment permits and passports as part of steps to incorporate technology in advancing efficient service delivery.
The Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security, Dr Albert Kawana, launched the online applications on Wednesday with an inauguration ceremony.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Kawana said that the introduction of online applications for employment permits and passports is part of the ministry’s commitment to harnessing technology as a tool to achieve global best practices.
The top government official also explained that the development is a part of the Namibian government’s reform plans to adopt e-governance better.
According to Kawana, “I am pleased to inform the nation, as well as the general public, that, with effect from today, the Ministry has introduced online applications for employment permits and passports.”
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How The Namibia Online Application Works
He added that “the Work Visa (or Short-Term Employment Permit), which is valid for a maximum period of six months, is normally issued to non-Namibians who seek approval to work temporarily in Namibia for donor-funded projects, multinational companies, as well as Namibian companies under certain conditions. This applies mainly to scarce professional skills.”
“In so doing, we are embracing technology as a catalyst and enabler to achieve Global Best Practices as well as the Namibian government Reform Initiative by embracing e-Governance,” he explained further.
Work-Visa Application
As regards the Work-Visa application, the minister highlighted that applicants will also have the opportunity to complete all relevant forms and upload the required documents online.
All completed and submitted forms and documents will be received, assessed, and responded to online. Online payments will also be facilitated via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT).
Passport Application
As for the passport application, applicants will have the advantage of only completing the application form, while all other required documents, such as IDs and Birth Certificates, will automatically be imported through system integration.
Minister Kawana added that “applicants will also have the advantage of choosing their booking time slot for self-representation for the collection of biometrics data such as the facial image and fingerprints,” he said.
Meanwhile, applicants will be able to follow progress through various processing steps via SMS notifications. Payments can also be made in cash or via EFT, although EFT is the most preferred method of payment to avoid tempering with cash.
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The minister explained that it would help address application challenges by streamlining the application process and reducing waiting time for applicants.
“Thus, having devised and deployed online technology, we will add more services online in addition to work visa and passport applications. With the escalating and exorbitant costs of IT-Service providers, we have harnessed and capitalized on our internal capabilities from our IT units to realise this vision. We have internally developed, tested, and rolled-out web-based software for an online work visa and passport applications.
“Therefore, I am extremely pleased to note that through engagements, wide-range consultations, and technical contributions, the web-based application was developed, tested, and is now fully operational and finally rolled out and available for public use,” he added.
Kawana also highlighted that in Direct Service Delivery; applicants will, henceforth, directly liaise with the Ministry, instead of operating through an “Agent” or office officials who in the manual processes, remain prone to making mistakes.
The introduction of online applications for employment permits and passports is a significant step towards improving service delivery in Namibia, as Kawana says it will reduce wasteful expenditure and increase efficiency.