The 2026 employment permit directives: what contractors in oil, gas and mining need to know

Under Annexure NB of the Immigration Regulations, as substituted from 2026-09-01, every application for an employment permit must follow the administrative directives. For a contractor bringing a foreign specialist to site, the application becomes a document project with its own lead time.

What does the current Annexure NB require?

Regulation 17(5) says an application for an employment permit shall comply with the directives listed in Annexure NB. Annexure NB was inserted by Government Notice 240 of 2026 (in force 2026-07-24) and substituted by Government Notice 272 of 2026 (in force 2026-09-01). The Annexure also warns that incomplete forms and outstanding documents cause delays and may lead to rejection, and that an employment permit applicant without legal status must stay outside Namibia until the permit is issued.

What must the employer show?

1. Proof of an advertisement for the vacant post: dated, detailed, in local newspapers in at least A6 size, on social media and electronic media, run for a minimum of 7 days.
2. An entity profile or organogram, the vacant job description and the applicant's contract or offer of employment.
3. The ratio of Namibians to foreigners employed in the entity.
4. A list of shortlisted unsuccessful candidates with full names, highest qualifications and contact details, together with the outcome of the selection exercise.
5. The original entity tax clearance certificate from NamRA, a certified copy of the entity's BIPA registration, the Social Security Commission good standing certificate with the employee list, a certified Employment Equity Compliance Certificate and a signed deed of surety.

What must the foreign specialist show?

The applicant files a detailed motivation letter addressed to the Chairperson of the Board, a CV, certified qualifications and an original police clearance. Every application now needs a certified copy of the applicant's NamRA tax registration certificate. An original NamRA tax clearance certificate of the applicant is required for renewals only. All documents must be in English or translated by a sworn translator, and every certification must be no older than 6 months. Renewals go to the Chief of Immigration not less than 60 days before the existing permit expires (regulation 17(3)).

Why does this matter on a project site?

Items 3 and 4 above are evidence of a real local search. A contractor that mobilises a specialist first and documents the Namibian search afterwards cannot produce them. Certified copies also age out: a pack assembled in March and lodged in October fails the 6 month rule. Reporting on 2025-08-28 recorded oil and gas companies citing permit delays, while the Ministry said its standard processing time is 10 working days when all requirements are met.

Andersen view

Treat the permit as a pre lodgement project. Start at least 4 months before the person is needed on site; a typical employment permit takes 9 to 16 weeks, and that is not guaranteed. Much of the lead time is in the contractor's hands: the advert that must run at least 7 days, the selection record, the certified copies and the NamRA and BIPA documents.

Our position is that contractors should plan around the advert, not the visa form. If the advert date, the shortlist and the certification dates are fixed on the project schedule, the application becomes predictable.

Frequently asked questions

Does an existing permit holder need the new documents on renewal?

Yes. Annexure NB requires the original NamRA tax clearance certificate of the applicant for renewals, on top of the certified tax registration certificate.

Can the specialist enter Namibia while the application is pending?

The Annexure says employment permit applicants without legal status must remain outside Namibia until the permit has been issued. The regulations also provide a short term work visa covering up to 6 months of work, with a government fee of N$1,600 per visa of up to 90 days.

Who signs for a contractor based outside Namibia?

An application lodged by an agent must carry a Power of Attorney signed by the applicant. We act as that agent and lodge the file, while an authorised director of the Namibian employer signs the employer forms.

Send us the role, the start date and the project schedule, and Andersen in Namibia will build the advert plan, the employer and applicant packs and the certified copies, then lodge the application and track it. Contact Andersen in Namibia: WhatsApp +264 81 315 7942, info@na.andersen.com, +264 61 402520 or na.andersen.com.