Allow foreigners in, 4IR team tells Geingob
Immigration system ‘needs immediate revision’
The call for reform extends beyond the digital transformation of immigration policies, regulations and processes, the task force said.
The final report by the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Task Force has called for an urgent overhaul of immigration policies and processes to smoothen the entrance of experts into Namibia, against the background of the country’s lack of scientists and engineers.
According to the report, which was presented to President Hage Geingob, stakeholders from various sectors have highlighted shortcomings in Namibia's immigration system - particularly concerning work permits and visas - that allegedly demand immediate attention and revision.
“The country needs specialist professionals, and attracting such specialist talent from elsewhere helps the country diversify its offerings, transfer knowledge and create more jobs,” the report read.
“The Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement [AfCFTA] should be seen as an opportunity to attract more 4IR talent to the country. Mechanisms for technology and knowledge transfer to Namibians should also be reviewed, while the monitoring and evaluation thereof should be strengthened.
“In this endeavour, the AfCFTA presents a golden opportunity to entice 4IR expertise to Namibia's shores,” it read.
Call for reform
“The call for reform extends beyond the digital transformation of immigration tools, instruments, policies, regulations and processes. It necessitates a significant policy shift and a cultural transformation within the immigration system itself," the task force said.
“An integral recommendation is to leverage the national skills audit as an informative tool for the Immigration Board, highlighting critical skill shortages and needs within the country.
“A culture change exercise should accompany any revision and/or overhaul of Namibia’s immigration system,” it added.
[email protected]
According to the report, which was presented to President Hage Geingob, stakeholders from various sectors have highlighted shortcomings in Namibia's immigration system - particularly concerning work permits and visas - that allegedly demand immediate attention and revision.
“The country needs specialist professionals, and attracting such specialist talent from elsewhere helps the country diversify its offerings, transfer knowledge and create more jobs,” the report read.
“The Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement [AfCFTA] should be seen as an opportunity to attract more 4IR talent to the country. Mechanisms for technology and knowledge transfer to Namibians should also be reviewed, while the monitoring and evaluation thereof should be strengthened.
“In this endeavour, the AfCFTA presents a golden opportunity to entice 4IR expertise to Namibia's shores,” it read.
Call for reform
“The call for reform extends beyond the digital transformation of immigration tools, instruments, policies, regulations and processes. It necessitates a significant policy shift and a cultural transformation within the immigration system itself," the task force said.
“An integral recommendation is to leverage the national skills audit as an informative tool for the Immigration Board, highlighting critical skill shortages and needs within the country.
“A culture change exercise should accompany any revision and/or overhaul of Namibia’s immigration system,” it added.
[email protected]
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