Arrested or in prison in Namibia

Contacting the British High Commission

The British High Commission in Namibia can offer help but will not be able to get you out of prison or get you special treatment because you’re British. Find out what help the High Commission can offer.

Family and friends can contact:

• the British High Commissions in Namibia

Over the telephone, by calling +264 61 274800

online, using our website 

• the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in London

Over the telephone, by calling us on +44 (0)20 7008 5000

Find a lawyer in Namibia

You should carefully consider getting a local Namibia lawyer. Discuss all costs with them in advance.

Prisoners Abroad has information on appointing a lawyer and legal aid (not specific to Namibia).

Private lawyers

If you wish to appoint your own private lawyer, please check the list of local English-speaking lawyers. If you need paper copy, please ask the British High Commission.

• private lawyers usually ask for cash advance before they start working on your case

• in criminal cases, defendants are not required to pay court fees for the trial itself

• the government handles the prosecution and pays for the court process

• english is an official language in Namibia there is no translation/interpretation costs

Legal aid

• Legal aid is available. However, it is for low-income Namibians

• if you don’t have enough money to hire a private lawyer, you can get help from the Legal Assistance Centre  they provide legal help, represent people in court, and work on human rights cases, these are lawyers who offer their services for free

State appointed lawyers 

• if you’re not happy with your court-appointed lawyer, you can formally apply to the directorate of legal aid for a new lawyer,

• you must have a good reason, for example:

   - there is a conflict of interest

   - the lawyer is not acting in your best interests

• you need to formally apply to the Directorate of Legal Aid

• the court must be informed if your lawyer is changed

What happens when you’re arrested in Namibia

In Namibia, you may be arrested and taken to a local police station under the following circumstances:

• because of an existing arrest warrant

• there are reasonable grounds to issue an arrest warrant

• If you’re caught in the act of performing a crime

• if authorities believe you may leave Namibia to escape justice

• your identity cannot be verified

When you are arrested, the police are required to explain the following to you in English:

• why you’ve been arrested

• that legal proceedings against you have started

• your rights as a detainee

Do not sign any documents unless you understand what they say. If you don’t understand the language, you have the right to ask for an interpreter ### Your rights

Your rights in Namibia, for example:

• you can ask for a lawyer before answering any questions or making a statement

• you are not guaranteed access to a phone

• mobile phones are not allowed in police cells or prisons

• you can still contact family or your lawyer through supervised visits

• you have the right to be treated humanely, which means you should have:

   - food

   - water

   - access to a toilet

• you have the right to see a doctor if you need one

• you have the right to be protected from torture or degrading treatment

If these rights are violated

• you can report the issue with the prison officials. Alternatively, you can also inform the British High Commission during visits

You have the right to:

• remain silent

• be told why you were arrested

• have legal representation

• choose your own lawyer or ask for a duty lawyer

• ask for an interpreter if you need one

• tell your family (next of kin) that you’ve been arrested

• tell the British High Commission that you’ve been arrested

How long you can be held for:

• after arrest, you will be taken to a police cell

• you must be taken to court within 48 hours

• weekends and public holidays do not count

• at court, a judge will talk to you or your lawyer about your case

Personal belongings

• your belongings will be listed and recorded at the police station

• they will be sent with you to the prison

• items kept as evidence will be recorded separately, you may not get these back.

Going to court

Procedure for first court appearance if applicable in, for example:

• when you go to court for the first time, you have the right to remain silent

• you do not have to answer questions or speak if you don’t want to

• if you do not have a lawyer, you can ask for legal aid.

• legal practitioners in Namibia must be able to communicate and conduct proceedings in English. This includes court-appointed lawyers

• you must be taken to court within 48 hours of your arrest, weekends and public holidays are not counted.

• at court, a judge will talk to you or your lawyer about your case

• the judge will then decide what happens next. You may:

• be kept in custody (on remand) while waiting for your trial

• be given a fine

• be allowed to apply for bail (pay money to be released while waiting for your case)

• be released without being charged

Being put on remand

• if you are put on remand, it means you are kept in custody while waiting for your trial

• you will stay in a police cell or in the remand section of a prison

• people on remand are kept separate from convicted prisoners

• after your first court appearance, the judge may decide that you should stay in custody while the investigation continues

• after your first appearance before a magistrate, you may be remanded in custody until investigation is completed

• prisoners on remand have more relaxed conditions such as visits from family and their lawyer

How long you can be on remand for:

• you may stay on remand until the investigation is finished

• if bail is approved, you may be released before that

• how long this takes depends on how serious the case is

Bail

• you may be able to apply for bail; however, it depends on the type of case, the seriousness of the offence and the risk factors involved. Bail may be granted if the offence is not extremely serious (e.g. minor theft, assault, traffic offences)

• bail may not be granted in very serious offences (e.g. Murder, rape, armed robbery, high-level drug trafficking) and you are a flight risk, especially foreigners with no permanent residence

• the amount of bail set depends on type of charges

• bail is paid as a cash deposit to the state. for minor offences, it can be paid at the police station. For more serious offences where bail is granted by the court, it can be paid at the clerk of the court’s office or at the High Court cashier’s office if the bail is granted in the high court. Please contact your lawyer for further guidance

• the British High commission or FCDO can help prisoners contacting friends and family who could help with bail funds

• in most cases, authorities will require you to hand in your passport as a bail condition

-  the court may reduce the risk of absconding while you are on bail by imposing restrictions that you may not leave Namibia without the court’s permission, report regularly to the nearest police station or giving the court a fixed residential address where you can be found

• if you do not follow your bail conditions or miss court, the bail money will be kept by the government, and the police may issue a warrant for your arrest

• if you are struggling to support yourself while on bail, it’s important to reach out to family or friends who can help you

The British High Commission or FCDO cannot transfer bail funds for you

Arriving at prison

When you arrive at a correctional facility, staff will guide you through a structured intake process.

• initial Processing: identity verification, fingerprinting, and photographing

• assignment of Inmate Number: Each inmate receives a unique identification number

• personal Information Collection: Includes name, date of birth, nationality, home address, medical conditions, religion, marital status, profession, and next-of-kin details

• medical & Psychological Screening: To assess health needs and determine appropriate housing and care

• security Classification: Based on risk and needs using standardized tools

• orientation: Inmates are briefed on rules, routines, and available programs

• case Management: A treatment plan is developed to address rehabilitation needs using the Offender Risk Management Correctional Strategy (ORMCS)

• your family or next-of-kin will only be told you are in prison if you give permission

Personal belongings

• your personal belongings will be safely recorded at the police station and then sent with you to the prison

• if any of your items are needed as evidence, they will be recorded separately and kept safely, these items may not always be returned

-  if you are on remand, you are usually allowed to wear and use your own clothing

Your prison cell

What prison cells are like in that Namibia, for example:

• prisons can be overcrowded

• you will be given basic sleeping items such as Mattress, Blankets and bedding

• prison cells have natural light

• prison cells have basic facilities like showers, toilets, running water and electricity

• sentenced and remand prisoners are held separately

Contacting the British High Commission

Tell the prison officer if you want the British High Commission to know you’re in prison.

Medical check-up

• when you arrive, you will have a check-up with a social worker

• please inform the social worker or prison officials about any medical conditions or medication that you are using

Contact the British High Commission if you need help getting your medical notes from the UK

Rights and responsibilities in prison

  When you arrive in prison rules and regulations will be explained to you.

• If rules are broken, there are different levels of discipline, starting with:

   - a verbal warning

   - then a written warning

   - more serious punishment, such as being placed in a single cell for up to 25 days

• Please see the list of punishable behaviours on the correctional service act, part X discipline of offenders

• there is also a reward/ranking system with the possibility to earn privileges for good behaviour

Visits from family or friends

You can receive visits from the following:

• immediate family members: Spouses, parents, children, and siblings

• extended family and friends:  allowed but require approval

• legal representatives: Lawyers and advocates

• religious leaders: For spiritual support

• approved community members or organizations: In some cases, for rehabilitation or support purposes

• visiting rules do differ from prison to prison

• you or your family or friends can ask your lawyer, or the prison directly, about the rules to the specific correctional facility you’re in

How many visits you’re allowed

visitation rules differ for sentenced and remand prisoners, please speak to your lawyer or prison officials to confirm number of visits

Arranging visits

• visits can be arranged by speaking to your lawyer or prison officials

• you can also arrange visits directly with the prison

• visitors do not usually need a special permit

• longer visits may be possible if family travel from another country

• while visits are generally scheduled and expected to proceed as planned, delays, cancellations, or interruptions can occur due to unforeseen circumstances

During the visit

Details of specific procedures for visitors and what happens during the visit, for example:

• visitors need to bring valid identifications document e.g. driving license or passport

• there are designated non-contact visiting areas, often behind glass or partitions. As well as monitored and designated for contact visits

• visits usually last 30 to 45 minutes

• guards are always present and may listen in to conversations

• rules are mostly the same for remand and sentenced prisoners regarding supervision and location

What visitors can take with them

• items that are not allowed are such as tobacco, alcohol, and any item not explicitly approved e.g. cash, electronics, and personal items are generally banned from the visiting area

• please check with prison officials to recheck items that are allowed and not allowed

Visits from British High Commission staff

• we aim to visit quarterly, depending on the prison’s location

• for urgent matters, please contact prison officials to request a visit from the British High Commission

• we may visit earlier if there are concerns about health, welfare, or mistreatment

• we will inform the prisoner of our intended visit

• we do not have scheduled visits to specific prisons or detention centres

• in some prisons, phone communication may be possible

Money

The British High Commission does not provide financial assistance to prisoners.

Money transfers from family or friends

• family or friends can send you money by bank transfer

• they cannot send you cash in the post

• ask the prison authorities for the bank account information for your family or friends to use

Prison accounts

• you will be given your own prison account

• you can spend the money in your account to buy basic needs. essentials

• there might be different rules for remand and sentenced prisoners such as separate days of shopping

How to make a complaint about mistreatment

The British High Commission can help if you have been mistreated or abused - it will take all complaints seriously. If you decide to make a complaint, please tell them first. They will ask your permission before taking any action.

• the first step is to report the mistreatment directly to the officer in charge of the correctional facility. Written complaints are typically preferred and should detail the incident, including dates, names, and any witnesses

• second step is if the issue is not resolved at the facility level, escalate it to the Namibian Correctional Service headquarters. The NCS is responsible for overseeing prison conditions and staff conduct under the Correctional Service Act 9 of 2012. [lac.org.na]

• third step is if the issue is not resolved on both the above steps the Ombudsman is an independent constitutional body tasked with investigating human rights violations, including mistreatment in prisons. Complaints can be submitted in person or by letter, phone, fax, or SMS. The Ombudsman regularly visits regions to educate the public and collect complaints. They are required to provide feedback on the outcome of your complaint

Your investigation and trial in Namibia

Namibia has a one main court system with different structured levels:

• magistrate Court - handles most criminal and civil cases at first instance

• high Court - deals with serious cases, appeals

• supreme Court - the highest court, mainly hears appeals from the High Court

• there are also special courts such as

   -   labour court,

   -   children’s court

• when your case starts, you can choose how to respond to the charges. For example: “Guilty”, “Not guilty” or “No contest”

The stages of your case are:

• arrest and detention - initial detention can last up to 48 hours before you must be brought before a court

• bail hearing - you may apply for bail at first court appearance

• charging/Indictment - the prosecutor formally files charges in the high court for serious crimes and less serious offences, charges are laid in the Magistrates Court

• plea - You tell the court if you are guilty or not guilty

• preliminary Hearing (if applicable) - this is held to determine if there is enough evidence for trial

• trial - Judge led, evidence is presented by the prosecution and defence, witnesses may be called and cross-examined, judges decide facts and law

- verdict - judge delivers the verdict

• sentencing - judges may consider mitigating or aggravating factors when determining the sentence

• appeal - High court decisions are appealed to the Supreme court. Grounds for appeal: procedural errors, legal misinterpretation or disproportionate sentence the length of the trail depends on the charges

The British High Commission cannot interfere with the Namibia judicial system. It cannot ask for your case to be judged more quickly just because you are British or ask the authorities to waive any penalties.

Types of court

There are different types of courts depending on the type and seriousness of the offences. [lac.org.na]

Supreme Court

Highest court in Namibia. Handles appeal from the High Court and constitutional matters. Decisions are binding on all other courts. Located in Windhoek.

High Court

Deals with serious criminal and civil cases, including constitutional issues. Can act as a court of first instance or an appeal court. Has specialized divisions like the Labour Court. Located in Windhoek but can sit elsewhere.

Magistrates’ Courts

Handle less serious criminal offences, civil disputes, and family law matters. Most cases start here. Decisions can be appealed to the High Court.

Regional Courts

Deal with moderately serious criminal and civil cases. Less commonly used and becoming obsolete.

Community (Traditional) Courts

Apply customary law within specific communities. Handles minor disputes and traditional matters. Appeals go to Magistrates’ Courts.

Specialized Courts

Include courts like the Tax Court, Electoral Court, and Labour Arbitration Tribunals. Deal with specific legal areas.

A lawyer or legal aid office can help you determine the correct court where your case will be heard. As well as the Court documents (e.g., summons or charge sheet) will state the court and date.

The type of court your case will be heard in normally depends on how serious the alleged offences are. The Court documents (e.g., summons or charge sheet) will state the court and date.

• nature of the Case:

• magistrates’ Court for Minor offences (e.g., petty theft, minor assault)

• high Court for Serious crimes (e.g., murder, high-value fraud)

• high Court or Supreme Court depending on the level for appeals

• community Courts for Customary disputes

Completion of investigations

While you are on remand, the public prosecutor will investigate your case. This may include:

• speaking with you and any witnesses

• getting expert opinions

• reviewing police reports

• checking laboratory results

The investigation will continue until the prosecutor:

• has enough evidence to take the case to trial, or

• decides there is not enough evidence, and the case should be closed If the case is closed, you may be released

 

Bill of indictment

In Namibia, a bill of indictment is a formal legal document used in criminal proceedings to initiate a trial in the High Court. Below is how it works within the Namibian legal system:

What is a Bill of Indictment?

A bill of indictment is a written statement prepared by the Office of the Prosecutor-General that formally charges an accused person with one or more criminal offenses. It includes:

• the name of the accused

• the charges being brought

• a summary of the evidence

• the legal provisions allegedly violated

This document is used when a case is deemed serious enough to be tried in the High Court, rather than in a lower magistrate’s court.

When is it Issued?

• it is prepared after the investigation is complete

• the prosecutor decides whether there is enough evidence to take the case to trial

• before this, a lower court may check that there is enough evidence to move the case forward

Legal Basis

The process is governed by Namibia’s Criminal Procedure Act, 1977, which outlines the steps from investigation to trial. The Act ensures that:

• the accused has the right to legal representation

• the trial is conducted fairly and transparently

• the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt

Role in Trial

Once the bill of indictment is served:

• once the document is ready, your case will move to the High Court

• the trial proceeds with presentation of evidence, witness testimony, and legal arguments

• the court then delivers a verdict and, if guilty, imposes a sentence

This process ensures that serious criminal cases are handled with the appropriate level of judicial scrutiny.

Sentences

• imprisonment - most common penalty for serious criminal offences

• fine - courts can impose fines either alone or in combination with imprisonment

• suspended sentences - meaning the offender does not go to jail immediately but if he/she commits another offence during the suspension period, the original sentence may be enforced

• community service - courts may order offenders to perform a specified number of hours of unpaid work for the community

• probation/supervision - accused may be placed under court supervision instead of imprisonment which may include reporting to a probation officer and complying with certain conditions

• restitution/compensation to victims - courts may order offenders to compensate victims for losses, medical expenses or property damage

• restraining/exclusion - courts can impose orders in cases like domestic violence, harassment.

• additional Penalties - confiscation of property or proceeds of crime, driving suspensions or bans for traffic-related offences

• deportation – it depends on Namibian immigration law, the circumstances of the detention and the person’s legal status

If you’re found guilty, you’ll be given a sentence. Your sentence will depend on how serious the crime is. Your lawyer can tell you what or how long your sentence might be.

Sentences can include:

• time in prison

• fines

• a suspended sentence (a punishment outside prison during which you might need to meet certain conditions, for example do unpaid work, or you will be sent to prison)

Making an appeal

• you can appeal a conviction or sentence if there are grounds such as: error in law or fact, excessive severity of sentence or procedural irregularities

• the prosecution can also appeal, usually on points of law. This is less common

When you can appeal

You need to apply for appeal with in 14 days of sentencing and conviction.

How to appeal

• File a notice of appeal with the court that issued the judgment. Please include the following in your application:

   ○     grounds for appeal

   ○     supporting documents

   ○     application for condonation (if late)

  ○     appeals are usually heard by the High Court or Supreme Court, depending on the case

What happens when you appeal

-  the court reviews the record and arguments

-  a hearing date is set

• both parties may present oral arguments

• the appeal may be dismissed, upheld, or the sentence may be altered

At the end of the appeal

• if successful: conviction may be overturned or sentence reduced

• if unsuccessful: original judgment stands

• you may apply for a further appeal to the Supreme Court, but only with leave (permission) from the court

Prison conditions in Namibia

Namibian prison conditions are generally good. Conditions do differ regionally, the size and the prison. Most facilities are closed institutions, but some offer rehabilitative programs that allow for structured reintegration activities, such as vocational training and education.

Some prisons have libraries, though their quality and availability vary. Outdoor exercise is permitted in most facilities, though overcrowding can restrict access. Prisoners can pursue technical and vocational education, and some facilities support e-learning and higher education.

Letters and packages

Letters, cards, and photographs are generally allowed. Parcels may be permitted if they contain approved items (e.g., clothing, books, toiletries), but prohibited articles like electronics, food, or contraband are strictly banned. [namiblii.org] Books and educational materials are often allowed if sent directly from publishers or approved vendors.

Receiving packages

Family and friends are allowed to send you clothing, books (from publishers) and toiletries. Generally Prohibited Items are electronics, food, drugs, weapons, money, and anything that could be misused (e.g., paper clips, staples, metal objects). [namibian.com.na] Photographs usually allowed, but explicit or provocative images are banned. All parcels must comply with Namibia’s customs laws—declare contents, avoid restricted items, and pay duties if applicable.

Stamps and stationery

You may need a stamp which you can buy stamps and stationery from the prison shop.

Checks on your mail

Prison authorities are highly likely to open/read or censor a prisoner’s mail. Censored mails may delay by a few days to a week, depending on staffing and volume.

Telephone Calls

There is no formal telephone system in Namibian Prisons. However, prisoners are advised to arrange phone calls with prison officials.

Medical and dental treatment

Your basic medical needs must be met while you’re detained in Namibia.

Include general description of prison healthcare in that Namibia, for example:

• prisoners have access to medical staff. Please note urgent case will be prioritised

• prisoners have access to a dentist, but it is limited and need to be scheduled

• you can request an appointment either speaking to prison official or submit a written request

• you do not need to pay for medication/treatment, it is provided free of charge

• common medication is generally available. Specialised medication however may require external referral

• if you need specialist treatment/assessment that is not available in prison hospital you will be referred to external government hospital

• generally, prisoners can’t access private healthcare while in prison. However, it may be treated on case-by-case basis please speak to prison officials

• basic eye exams are available for prisoners. Glasses are provided if medically necessary

Treatment for a new illness or condition

Speak to the prison guards or your social worker if you need medical or dental treatment. The doctor might not visit every day in smaller prisons, so submit the request as soon as possible. Prison doctors are often similar to UK GPs (general practitioners). So, if you have an unusual or complex condition you might be referred to a specialist outside the prison.

Existing conditions

The British High Commission can try to make sure the prison knows about any medical or dental issues you have if you want to. It can also talk to your UK GP to help get your medical records sent to the prison. You might be transferred to a hospital with a police guard if your condition cannot be treated in prison.

Drug and alcohol addiction

Namibia does offer specialist facilities and rehabilitation programmes for prisoners with drug or alcohol addictions, both within the correctional system and through external partnerships. Please discuss this with the prison doctor for further clarity.

Mental health care

Talk to the prison psychologist or doctor as soon as possible if you feel you need treatment for your mental health. For example, you have depression or anxiety. The prison may be able to make recommendations about adjustments for psychological issues.

Emergency trips outside prison

You can apply for an emergency trip outside prison within Namibia if an urgent matter comes up that cannot be postponed, like a funeral or critical illness of a relative.

Food and diet

• prisoners get two meals per day

• prison food is mostly maize based with limited protein and minimal vegetables or fruit

• often insufficient, leading to malnutrition risks

• prisoners need to supplement their diet in prison in order to remain in good health

• prisoners can buy extra food from the prison shops if they have funds

• clean drinking water is available, but quality may vary by facility

Special diets

• special diets are available for religious and health reasons

Prison shop

• there a prison shop, which is open on designated days for prisoners to buy extra food, toiletries and telephone cards. Please speak to prison officials for the designated days

Showers and hygiene

• prisoners can shower/bathe two to three times per week depending on facility

• shower/bathing facilities are communal

• showers/toilets are often overcrowded, and sanitation varies by facility

• toiletries are provided by the prison authorities but often low quality. Prisoners can buy toiletries at the prison shop if they have funds

Work and study

• prisoners can work in prison. Work is encouraged but it is not compulsory

-the type of work that is available Includes cleaning, kitchen duties, maintenance, and agriculture

• prison jobs are limited and assigned based on availability

• language is not a strict requirement, but may affect job placement

• prisoners receive small allowance for the work they do

• prisoners work four to six hours per day depending on availability

Books, languages, activities and study

Prisoners can spend time reading, studying, and taking part in activities.

You can mix with other prisoners during scheduled activities, meals, and recreation. Contact is only restricted if it breaks prison rules.

English is widely spoken by prison staff.

Prisoners are not allowed to have phones, but they may be able to watch television.

You are encouraged to join cultural and social activities. Taking part can improve your prison record.

Most prisons have some English books and magazines in their libraries.

You may also be able to order books from approved publishers or subscribe to newspapers or magazines. Always ask prison staff for permission before ordering.

Prisoners Abroad might be able to send some reading material, language textbooks and dictionaries.

Courses and study

Prisoners can while in prison including, Grade 11, vocational training, and university degrees through institutions like University of Namibia UNAM and Namibian College of Open Learning NAMCOL. Most courses are in English, so you need basic English skills. Distance learning is available, and prisoners may be allowed to use laptops and the internet for study following a court ruling.

Exercise

Prisoners are entitled to at least one hour of outdoor exercise each day. Facilities vary between prisons, but physical activity is usually part of rehabilitation programmes. Some prisons offer organised exercise activities.

Clothing

You will be given a prison uniform and must wear it except in certain situations like court appearances. The uniform may not always suit the weather, especially in winter. If you are on remand, you can wear your own clothes. In some cases, you may buy approved extra clothing from the prison shop. Clothing that looks like staff uniforms, gang-related, or poses a security risk is not allowed. Clothing from outside is not permitted.

Religion

Prisoners can attend religious services of their choice.

You can ask to see a religious leader. Most prisons do not have full-time religious staff, but visiting clergy or volunteers provide support. You can also access religious texts, such as the Bible or Qur’an.

Mobile phones

Prisoners are not allowed to have mobile phones. If you are found with one, it will be taken away immediately. You may also face extra charges and a longer sentence.

Transferring to another prison

Transferring to a prison in the UK

The UK and Namibia do not have a prisoner transfer agreement so you cannot apply to transfer to a prison in the UK.

Transferring to a prison within Namibia

You can ask to be moved to another prison in Namibia. Speak to your lawyer about how to apply. Prisoners may be transferred for reasons such as security level, medical needs, access to programmes, or overcrowding. Transfers are handled by the Namibian Correctional Service and must be approved internally. You will usually be told in advance, but in urgent cases, transfers can happen without notice.

Early release

Namibia allows early release in different ways, including remission (sentence reduction), parole, day parole, temporary leave, and presidential pardon.

Each option has its own rules and conditions, focusing on good behaviour, rehabilitation, and public safety. Early release is not automatic and is carefully reviewed.

You should speak to a lawyer for advice on how to apply.

Reduction of sentence (remission)

Namibia provides for the remission of sentences as an incentive for good behaviour and active participation in rehabilitation programmes within correctional facilities.

Remission may reduce a sentence by up to one-third; however, it is subject to strict eligibility criteria, sustained good conduct, and compliance with supervision requirements.

Clemency or pardon

Namibia’s legal system provides for clemency, which includes both pardons and reprieves. The power to grant clemency is vested in the President of Namibia, as provided for in the Namibian Constitution and the Correctional Service Act.

Presidential Power: The President may, at any time, grant a pardon, reprieve, or commutation of sentence to any person convicted of an offence.

An application for clemency may be submitted by the convicted individual or on their behalf by family members, friends, or other representatives.

How to Apply:

An application for a pardon or reprieve is formally submitted to the President, but the process is administered through the correctional system:

1.  the application is first submitted to the Officer in Charge of the correctional facility

2.  the Officer in Charge forwards the application to the National Release Board for consideration

3.  the National Release Board reviews the application, considering factors such as the nature of the offence, time served, the inmate’s conduct, potential risk to society, and, where applicable, the views of the victim

4.  the Board then makes a recommendation to the Commissioner-General of Correctional Services

5.   the Commissioner-General adds their comments and forwards the recommendation to the Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration and Safety and Security

6.   the Minister, with their own comments, submits the recommendation to the President for a final decision

Release and deportation

Please contact the British High Commission before the end of your sentence they will explain to you the deportation process and assistance offered by Prisoners Abroad.

Overview of Namibia-specific procedures

Deportation

• it is standard practice for foreigners who have committed offences to be deported immediately after they have completed their sentence

• foreign inmates whose legal stay in Namibia expired, and who lack valid travel documents are handed over to immigration authorities upon release. They will be held at post-prison deportation centre until the travel document is processed for deportation

• the British High commission in Windhoek will contact prisoners before the end of their sentence to explain the deportation process and assistance offered by Prisoners Abroad

• long-term residents including those with permanent residence, employment, or other long-term permits are not automatically entitled to remain in Namibia after serving a criminal sentence. Their right to stay depends on the nature of the offence, their immigration status, and the discretion of the authorities under the Immigration Control Act

Flights to the UK

• Namibian authorities will arrange and pay for deportation flight

Getting a passport

 Make sure your British passport is valid and contact the British High Commission before your release so they can inform UK authorities. If you need an emergency travel document, please reach out to the British High commission.