daniel chigunwe
Namibia will issue visas on arrival from April 1 for international investors and tourists, as part of a strategy to attract foreign capital.
The initiative seeks to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and position the southern African nation as a regional hub for business and leisure travelers, Namibia Investment Promotion Development Board chief executive officer Nangula Uaandja said in Windhoek, the capital, Monday.
The policy “represents a strategic shift in our approach to global engagement and economic development,” she said.
It is anticipated to boost key sectors including renewable energy, oil and gas, and tourism, Uaandja said.
The mineral-rich southern African nation is positioning itself as a leader in the production of green hydrogen, which projects generate by splitting water using electricity from renewable power plants.
It also wants to develop its oil and gas resources.
The move aligns Namibia with international best practices for investment-friendly economies and is expected to create a competitive advantage over regional peers with more restrictive visa policies.
South Africa last year announced major changes to the nation’s work permit regulations to attract more professionals to its skills-starved economy and grow the tourism industry.
It also eased visa rules for visitors from India and China to lure tourists from the world’s two most populated nations, who have been deterred by red tape.
“The visa-on-arrival initiative facilitates seamless entry for high-value tourists who often become investors,”Uaandja said.
“It strengthens our tourism infrastructure, creating spillover benefits for other sectors.”
The new policy is part of a series of reforms aimed at improving the country’s business environment and enhancing its connectivity to global markets. — Bloomberg
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