Last week, many of us woke up to the news that Namibian nationals wishing to travel to the United Kingdom (UK) will need a visa.
It was reported that these requirements would be implemented immediately. The move sparked heated discussions.
The UK government was accused of all manner of things including acting hastily, and being part of a global hegemonic system. There were even references to alleged racism.
To understand the British government’s decision, we must first understand why different countries require visas for foreign nationals visiting their shores. Whichever we way look at it, the UK, like any other country, has the right to change the status of would-be visitors based on its regulations.
‘NOT UNUSUAL’
Why do countries impose visa restrictions?
There are many reasons, including immigration control, security concerns, abuse of the system and reciprocity.
Firstly, every country wants to control the number of immigrants and visitors to its shores, and to only allow the number it feels it can safely manage.
Secondly, to ensure the security and safety of its nationals.
Countries can use visa requirements to conduct background checks and screening before people are allowed into their country.
This allows them to ensure that no one posing a security risk is allowed in. Thirdly, visa restrictions are used to prevent abuse of the system, particularly where visitors do not adhere to immigration rules on entry by, for instance, overstaying or changing their entry status on arrival.
Finally, reciprocity on visas happens when country A decides to impose visa requirements on citizens of country B for various reasons, and country B returns the favour in kind.
The UK said the main reason for its visa requirements is to better control the abuse of the visa-free status previously afforded to Namibians.
There are many reports of Namibians travelling to the UK as visitors, or for tourism, changing their reason to asylum on arrival.
Of course, this is a violation of the terms of visa-free entry.
Whether we like it or not, Britain, like any other country, is within its rights to impose requirements on anyone or any group of people who abuse its regulations.
‘BEHAVIOUR’
While the visa announcement was made last week, the UK raised concerns over Namibians abusing its regulations more than 10 years ago.
When restrictions were applied to South African nationals in 2008, there was already disquiet in the UK that Namibian travellers could face a similar fate if they did not change their behaviour.
In July 2021, Canada imposed similar visa restrictions on Namibian travellers after unsustainable asylum applications were lodged by Namibians using the country’s visa-free travel arrangement.
Unfortunately, many of our Namibian brothers and sisters are responsible for both the UK’s and Canada’s decisions to introduce visa requirements.
If those Namibians had abided by the rules, as many others who lived and worked in the UK in exile in the 60s,70s, and 80s did, we would still be able to visit that country without restrictions.
Hundreds of Namibians lived in the UK for many years, and yet there were barely any reports of run-ins with authorities.
Namibians in exile did what they went there to do: Study. Many achieved their goals without contravening the laws of that country.
It should be borne in mind by those accusing the UK of unfair treatment that our actions when we visit foreign countries have consequences.
Having said that, every challenge comes with an opportunity.
OPPORTUNITIES
The new visa requirements may be a bit inconvenient, but it could also be an opportunity for several reasons.
Firstly, it could help Namibia restore its battered reputation, as only people who are approved will be allowed to visit the UK; the abuse which damaged our reputation can be repaired.
Secondly, in terms of reciprocity, Namibia could impose visa requirements on the sizeable number of UK visitors it receives every year, and generate much-needed foreign exchange revenue (£1=N$23) from visa applications.
Thirdly, once the dust settles over the small group of Namibians on the immigration/asylum roster, which accounts for less than 0,1% of Namibia’s population, the two countries can address important bilateral issues – instead of the anti-social sideshow.
They can build stronger partnerships, which may involve economic, as well as industrial development in areas such manufacturing, agriculture, mining value addition, education, etc.
If the ministry of international relations and the British high commission can quickly resolve the asylum and anti-social “hurdle”, the two countries can continue their collaboration.
‘WE’LL LIVE’
Yes, Namibians will need a visa to visit the UK, but they’ll live!
After all, we need and apply for visas to visit many countries, including China, Germany, India, Sweden, Finland, the USA, Canada (recently) and Japan, and we don’t complain.
Applying for a UK visa should be as straightforward as it is for any other country with visa requirements.
The question is not if we should expend valuable time and resources trying to get the UK to rescind the visa requirements, but how the two countries can work together on important issues.
- Seth !Nowaseb is a teacher; this article is written entirely in his personal capacity
