Foreign students warned against having jobs, side hustles in Namibia

The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security has warned foreign students to comply with the Immigration Control Act as they pursue their education in the country and not look for jobs and engage in side hustles.

This was confirmed by ministry spokesperson Margaret Kalo.

“Prospective students who apply to Namibian universities are not allowed to engage in any jobs or side hustles.
They must not even try it,” she says.

The act clearly prohibits any person from entering Namibia for the purpose of studying and subsequently engaging in or performing any work within the country.

Violating the terms of a student’s permit, such as overstaying or deviating from the permitted purpose, is considered an offence.

“Offenders, upon conviction, may face fines of up to N$12 000 or imprisonment for a period not exceeding three years,” Kalo says.

With the 2024 academic year in full swing, the ministry has set a deadline of 29 February for the submission of student permit applications.

Prospective foreign students are reminded there will be no extension beyond this date.

The ministry issued a public notice on 12 November 2023, urging students to submit their applications, and has provided ample time for compliance, Kalo says.

After the application deadline, the ministry will deploy immigration officers to educational institutions to confirm compliance by foreign students, she says.

Any student found to have violated immigration laws may face deportation to their countries of origin or residence.

Kalo says the ministry strictly warns foreign students who apply for student permits, but do not attend classes and rather engage in other activities.