A growing backlog of work permits at the ministry of home affairs is threatening to slow down the oil and gas boom, with companies in the sector expressing concern over the lengthy approval process.
Industry players say delays in securing permits for foreign specialists, and general work permits are holding back critical projects, increasing costs, and shaking investor confidence.
Energy consultant Ian Coffee on social media warns that Namibia risks missing a historic opportunity if the situation is not addressed.
“Namibia is on the brink of something big.
The discoveries offshore have drawn the eyes of the world. Investors are interested.
The energy sector is waking up. But the people needed to build it: engineers, technicians, project managers aren’t here in the numbers or with the experience required. Not yet,” he says.
Coffee says there is a need for balance between local empowerment and foreign expertise.
“There is a strong case for foreign expertise. Not as a replacement, but as a bridgeway to bring in knowledge, transfer skills, and build capacity.”
He says, however, companies are frustrated by the sluggish permit system, describing it as slow, unclear, and disconnected from the pace of the energy industry.
“Projects are delayed. Costs go up. Confidence wavers,” Coffee notes.
He cautions Namibia to align its policies with its ambitions.
“If Namibia wants to lead in energy, it needs to lead in policy too.
That means making it easier to bring in the right people, faster. It means trusting that foreign skills can help build local strength. And it means working together with the government, industry, and civil society to make it happen,” he adds.
Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security executive director Nghidinua Daniel says the ministry is not aware of the delay.
“The ministry of home affairs would like to clarify that it is not aware of any delays in the processing of work permit applications within the oil and gas industry.
“The standard processing time for all work permits – whether short-term or long-term – is 10 working days, provided that all requirements are met,” he says.
Daniel says the ministry urges all applicants to submit complete documents.
“Applicants who fail to meet the requirements or do not attach the necessary supporting documents will experience delays or risk having their applications rejected.
“We urge all applicants to ensure that they submit complete applications with all required documentation to facilitate the processing,” he says.
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