Spatial-Mobile Bordering

Mobile bordering appears in Namibia’s efforts to roll out its new electronic identity management system. The country is figuring out how to handle groups perceived as ‘foreign.’ This includes people that began living in Namibia between 1979 to 1997 and have been living in Namibia for 10 years before or after independence, and new migrants who have arrived from neighbouring countries. Many have never had regular status within the country. Having identity documentation is required to register one’s child, so parents must resolve their status and gain their own documentation before they register their child.

When parents lack identity or migration documents, civil registrars can assume a role akin to migration enforcement. Some Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration staff either do not issue birth certificates or issue ‘non-Namibian birth certificates.’ There is no legal authority governing these certificates, and having one could lead to discrimination and issues with recognition of legal identity down the line.

Refugees and asylum seekers also struggle to register the births of their children. Namibia has a policy of containing refugees in the Osire refugee camp, the majority of whom come from Angola, and has been called on to stop this practice. The country has insufficient refugee status determination and ID issuance procedures, which complicates the registration process. In 2016, the UNHCR noted that authorities have struggled for years to issue documentation to refugees and asylum seekers. Identity documents that had been issued to asylum seekers and refugees were not recognized as official government documents by many institutions. If parents are unable to register their children in the camp, and unable to leave it, then no birth certificate can be procured.