Immigration update : Namibia | Unabridged Birth certificates required for children travelling through Namibian Ports of Entry

Unabridged Birth certificates required for children travelling through Namibian Ports of Entry

The Namibian authorities have recently been enforcing the regulations for children under 18 years old traveling through a Namibian ports of entry to present an original or certified copy of their Unabridged Birth Certificates. This is aimed at giving effect to Regulation 7 of the Immigration Control Act 7 of 1993.

Who is affected?
This will affect all individuals travelling to and from Namibia with children under the age of 18.

Background
On 24 April 2019, the Namibian Ministry of Home Affairs released a statement reiterating the requirements for individual travelling to and from Namibia with children.  This media release aims to clarify the requirements for children travelling through Namibian ports of entry.  The full statement can be viewed here. 

What is an Unabridged Birth Certificate?
The exact contents of an Unabridged Birth Certificate may vary depending on where in the world it was issued however, the key distinction between “abridged” and “unabridged” versions is that an Unabridged Birth Certificate contains the details of both registered parents of the child.

Impact
Subject to some exemptions, below is a list of documents required when travelling in or out of Namibia with minor children:

Where both parents are travelling with their biological child/ children

• Valid Passport
• Valid Visa (if applicable)
• Unabridged Birth Certificate for the child

When the child/ children are travelling with someone who is not their biological parent

• Valid Passport
• Valid Visa (if applicable)
• Unabridged Birth Certificate for the child
• Affidavit consenting to the travel from both parents including contact details of the biological parents of guardian of the child

Where only one parent is travelling with their biological child/ children

• Valid Passport
• Valid Visa (if applicable)
• Unabridged Birth Certificate for the child
• Consent from the parent who will not be traveling with the child/ children
• Adoption or court order granting full parental responsibilities and rights or a death certificate (if applicable)

Where the child/ children are travelling unaccompanied

• Valid Passport
• Valid Visa (if applicable)
• Unabridged Birth Certificate for the child
• Full details of the individual receiving the child/ children in Namibia, this should be in the form of a letter with proof of their residential and work address, full contact details, a certified copy of the identity document or valid passport and visa or permanent residence permit
• Affidavit consenting to the travel from both parents including contact details of the biological parents of guardian of the child

How Santa Fe can assist?
Santa Fe can support all foreign nationals in Namibia by assessing their eligibility to qualify for the required permits to ensure ongoing compliance with the immigration rules. We can also keep businesses updated on further developments in Namibia immigration matters and will advise on any changes requiring their attention.

Should you have any questions, please contact:

Terence Rover
Immigration Manager – Africa
Santa Fe Relocation
Johannesburg, South Africa
D: +27 (0) 10 442 8933
M: +27 (0) 72 279 9606
E: Terence.Rover@santaferelo.com

Paolo Longo
Regional Immigration Manager – Africa
Santa Fe Relocation
Johannesburg, South Africa
D: +27 (0) 10 595 2337
M: +27 (0) 83 677 7949
E: Paolo.longo@santaferelo.com

Soumeya Messadi
Head of Immigration – Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa
Santa Fe Relocation
Singapore
D: +65 6398 3520
M: +65 9169 6061
E-mail: Soumeya.messadi@santaferelo.com

To read more immigration updates, click here.

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