By: Justicia Shipena

 

The United Kingdom has recorded only 12 asylum applications from Namibians since implementing strict visa requirements in 2023.

The British government revoked Namibia’s visa-free entry in July 2023, citing misuse of the privilege and concerns over asylum and immigration law abuses.

Earlier that year, in February, more than 90% of Namibian asylum applications in the UK were denied, with an additional 1,200 cases under review.

Speaking on Eagle FM, British High Commissioner to Namibia, Charles Moore, stated that prior to the visa requirement, over 1,000 Namibians had applied for asylum within a year.

Since the policy change, however, only 12 applications have been recorded.