Home affairs allays concerns about ID issuance

The home affairs ministry has issued a statement responding to claims by Namrights that the ministry’s mass registration programme for identity documents (ID) is slow, and that applicants are not issued with proof that they applied.

Executive director Etienne Maritz said issuing documents can take time because each application is unique and may require additional investigation, especially for late birth registrations. “[The ministry] follows strict legal guidelines, such as the Namibian Citizenship Act and the Identification Act, to ensure everything is done correctly,” he added.

He further insisted that the ministry always provides a receipt when someone applies for documents. “If anyone didn't get a receipt, they should visit the registration office to get it.”