Namibia has embarked on a significant initiative to issue biometric ID cards to refugees, enhancing their access to essential services and legal identification. This move, launched on World Refugee Day, aims to provide "Guest of Africa Identity Cards" to over 6,000 refugees and asylum seekers from various African countries. Supported by the UN Refugee Agency, this initiative aligns Namibia with other African nations integrating refugees into their digital and legal ID systems.

The new biometric IDs are expected to improve the refugees' sense of belonging and their ability to participate in social and economic activities. The program reflects Namibia's commitment to inclusive and innovative solutions for managing refugee populations, ensuring that displaced individuals have the necessary documentation to thrive in their host country.

During World Refugee day held on Thursday, 20th June 2024, the deputy minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, Lucia Witbooi said;

“These are biometric cards and will provide refugees with official identification and reinforce the sense of belonging, dignity, and access to the right services they might need,” she said, adding that these cards will be distributed to the refugees to serve as identification”.

She went further to explain that the previous system of Refugees using travel documents for identification will cease. Travel documents will be strictly for those traveling outside the country. Instead, Refugees will receive a refugee ID for those who are over 16. This shift ensures that refugees can have proper identification within Namibia for everyday purposes.

This effort not only marks a milestone in Namibia's refugee policy but also sets a precedent for other countries in the region to follow suit, fostering a more inclusive approach to refugee management across Africa.