ICC Note: Namibian police detained 80 foreign nationals at the Hosea Kutako International Airport in Namibia’s capital Windhoek on charges of entering the country illegally. According to sources, the group was visiting Namibia for a church gathering and more were scheduled to visit via airplane. All 80 of the detained were Africans from neighboring countries. To enter Namibia other than for tourism, individuals or groups must receive permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Police officials who detained the group stated they requested for permission to enter, but did not receive authority from the ministry. During these turbulent times with mass migration in Africa and Europe it is difficult to determine the legitimacy of each claim. Further information must be gathered before judgment can be made as to whether the group is a legitimate church group or refugees using religion as a means to escape.
09/30/2015 Namibia (All Africa) – AT least 80 foreigners were detained at the Hosea Kutako International Airport yesterday after they entered the country ‘illegally’.
The group applied for permission to enter the country but did so without receiving authority from the Ministry of Home Affairs, police said yesterday.
According to police spokesperson chief inspector Kauna Shikwambi, the detained foreigners are all Africans from neighbouring countries.
“They are here allegedly for a church gathering and we understand that more are on their way. They all entered the country by plane and are being held for interrogation at the airport by immigration officers as they are giving the matter the necessary attention,” Shikwambi said.
