The immigration Selection Board (ISB) in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration: Namibian case study
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Date
2007
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Abstract
The Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration is the first Institution met by any foreigner who wishes to enter Namibia for investment, work or other purposes. To a large extent the public image of Namibia depends on the professional manner in which domestic and immigration affairs such as visas and permits are handled. This includes the roles that Embassies and High Commissions play where applications for visas and permits originate. The Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration has taken note of the concerns of the public about the perceived professional conduct on the part of the Ministry that is believed to scare off investors with its perceived inefficient and cumbersome processing of visas and permits
Given the situation as stated above, the study looks into the problems and potential solutions. This process uses research, case studies of other countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and relevant literature. It looks into the experiences of other countries that have grappled with similar problems, such as Botswana, Mauritius and South Africa.These countries have gone through some of the throes that Namibia experiences currently
This study investigates the Immigration Control Act that deals with the limitation of entry into, and residence in Namibia, the Immigration Selection Board (ISB), applications for permanent residence and employment permits. The central questions guiding the investigation are: How do stake holders and applicants perceive the performance of the ISB and what do they identify as problem areas? And how do other affected countries deal with similar problems? Do they have any success stories to discuss?
The study uses findings from secondary and primary data collection through interview campaigns and secondary data through desk research. The primary data compilation generates qualitative and quantitative data while the secondary data obtains an insight into the interaction and relations between the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration and various stakeholders regarding services in the issuance of visas and permits
In-house document analysis forms an important part of data collection. Reports, minutes and memoranda of meetings, policy documents, contractual agreements and agreements that record processes and procedures that are useful in ascertaining inclusive decision-making and participation in the processes of governance and management
Complementary to the method of modes, approaches and service delivery in issuing visas and permits is the detailed literature review that focuses on findings in comparing the countries mentioned above. In addition, literature review gained an overview on approaches to service delivery
The study develops scenarios that address possible conflict resolution that may redefine the relationship between ministerial service delivery, public perception and appreciation of service.
Description
Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Master of Public Policy and Administration
Keywords
Government policy, Emigration and immigration