Windhoek - IOM is collaborating with the Government of the Republic of Zambia and the Government of Namibia and facilitated an assessment in order to identify the exact controls and functions at the border crossing points between the two countries. 

The main objective of the study tour was to identify the exact controls and functions of the border crossing points and the border pass solution in place, including the enrollment process and current use of travel documents.

“Enhancing cross border movement and coordination at points of entry (PoEs) compliments ongoing national and international migration management efforts”, said the Chief of Immigration, Mr. Nehemia Nghishekwa “It is therefore imperative to enhance Border Crossing Points (BCPs) in order to facilitate cross border flows of  people in compliance with both countries’ legislations and agreements.

The Katima Mulilo Border Post, established in 2013, is a busy border control point, processing an average of 1100 to 1400 individuals and 1000 to 1500 trucks per month. It experiences high migration flows, with Zambia and Namibia serving as both transit and destination countries for refugees, asylum seekers, migrants, and trafficked persons fleeing conflicts, human rights abuses, and economic challenges in places like the Democratic Republic of Congo and East Africa.

From this tour, it was agreed that IOM is set to undertake an extensive documentation of the current processes and infrastructure in place, with the support of bi-national governments, to gain a clear understanding of how the border management system works. This documentation will encompass an assessment of basic border police activities, such as patrols and checkpoint operations. With the assistance of bi-national governments, IOM will also evaluate the necessary infrastructure required for an effective and immediate upgrade of structure, as well as review equipment and procedures. 

In addition to these measures, IOM will conduct interviews with officials and local migrants to gather comprehensive details, which will be used to produce detailed process descriptions and migrant profiles of the current controls for BCP and Border Pass enrollment. These details will be presented for bi-national consideration during the second event in May.

For more information, please contact:

• Windhoek: Florence N. Situmbeko, fsitumbeko@iom.int

• Pretoria: Abibo Ngandu, angandu@iom.int