The abolishment of all visa requirements for all Africans is a gesture to African countries for the role they played during its liberation struggle.
Namibia is planning to start issuing African passport holders with visas on arrival at ports of entry as a first step towards the eventual abolition of all visa requirements for all Africans.
The Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Tjekero Tweya, on Thursday during a Cabinet briefing announced that Namibia is ready to implement the diplomatic procedure, although it was waiting for some countries to finalise reciprocal arrangements with Namibia.
Namibia’s Cabinet last year resolved to abolish all visa requirements into the country for all African holders of diplomatic or official passports, as a gesture to African countries for the role they played during Namibia’s liberation struggle.
“African nations offered refuge to our people as they fled the brutality of the apartheid system. Many of our young people found shelter in fellow African countries, enabling them to continue with their education, which would in turn equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to the development of our country,” a State House statement had said.
Currently, the Government of Namibia allows citizens of specific countries and territories to travel to the country for tourism or business purposes for three months with an ordinary passport, and diplomatic and service passports without having to obtain a visa.
All visitors must hold a passport valid for six months to qualify.
No deadline has however been announced for the conclusion of the visa-free regime with all countries.