The draft Migration Bill seeks to align the three-decade-old immigration legislation with current migration trends and challenges.
The Director of Immigration and Border Control, Danelie |Naris, revealed this during ||Kharas stakeholder consultations on the draft bill held in Keetmanshoop.
The bill seeks to introduce categories including spousal permits, medical visas, skills transfer permits, and investor permits.
Additionally, it aims to improve the screening process for visitors and travellers at the country's entry ports.
"The dynamics of migration have changed to the extent that we cannot ignore the current setup that is currently happening on the ground. The Immigration Control Act of 1993 that we are currently implementing has a lot of challenges, and these challenges came through because of the changes that came with migration. Gone are the days that we only have to stamp passports," said |Naris.
Addressing the consultation session, ||Kharas Regional Council Chairperson Gerrit Witbooi noted the country remains a beacon of peace, stability, and coexistence on the African continent.
"Our country has long been known for its spirit of hospitality, unity, and respect for human dignity. We welcome those who come to contribute positively to our economy, our communities and our shared prosperity."
Equally, Witbooi cautioned about new trends, including rising tension linked to irregular migration, unemployment, human trafficking, and xenophobia, facing nations globally and within the region.
Against this backdrop, he called for the country's immigration framework to remain modern, fair, secure, and responsive to emerging realities.
"However, while discussing migration, we must also remember a deep African truth: that before colonial borders divided our continent, African people moved freely across regions through trade, culture, family ties and shared history. The Africa we aspire toward is one rooted in unity, cooperation and regional integration," said Witbooi.
The consultations on the draft Migration Bill began in 2014, but its progress has faced delays over the years.