WINDHOEK, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Namibia has extended a one-month amnesty program allowing foreign nationals who have overstayed their immigration permits to leave the country voluntarily.
In a public notice issued Saturday, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security said the amnesty took effect on Dec. 15 and was initially to end on Jan. 16, 2026.
"By this notice, the public and foreign nationals are hereby informed that the period of the amnesty has been extended to Jan. 20," the ministry said.
According to the ministry, this extension provides additional time and opportunity for foreign nationals who have overstayed their permits to come forward voluntarily and regularize their status by exiting the country, without the risk of arrest, detention, prosecution, penalties, or administrative sanctions related to overstay offenses.
"As such, all concerned individuals are strongly encouraged to make use of this extended period to report themselves at the nearest immigration office or border post for guidance on exit procedures before the amnesty expires on Jan. 20," the ministry said.
Meanwhile, the ministry highlighted that no further extension will be granted, and failure to comply within the current amnesty period will result in law enforcement action. ■