In a bold diplomatic move, the Namibian government has officially revoked visa-free entry for U.S. citizens, citing concerns over illegal mining and resource exploitation.
The new regulation, which took effect on April 1st, requires all American travelers to obtain a visa before entering the country.
Any U.S. citizen found in Namibia without a valid visa will be declared an illegal alien and subjected to the same treatment African immigrants face under former U.S. President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.
“Any U.S. citizen caught in Namibia without a fully approved visa will be declared an illegal alien and treated exactly the same way Donald Trump treats African immigrants in the U.S.,” the government declared.
The decision has already impacted over 500 U.S. nationals who had been mining Namibia’s rich deposits of diamonds, gold, uranium, and copper without proper documentation.
Following the visa requirement announcement, these individuals reportedly applied for legal entry permits to continue operations.
However, their applications were denied, and they have been ordered to leave the country immediately.
“Over 500 U.S. citizens who were mining diamonds, gold, uranium, copper, and other minerals in Namibia without visas applied for visas so they could continue mining but were all rejected and have been ordered to leave the country today (April 1st) or be brutally thrown out as from tomorrow,” a government spokesperson stated.
Namibia is among the world’s top diamond-producing nations and has expressed its commitment to taking full control of its natural resources.
The government believes that enforcing stricter entry regulations will help curb illegal mining activities and protect the nation’s wealth.
Furthermore, the move has drawn mixed reactions.
The visa requirement comes amid rising tensions over foreign exploitation of Africa’s natural resources.
Many African nations, including Namibia, have expressed concerns that international corporations and individuals extract valuable minerals without significantly benefiting local economies.
Therefore, this action is seen as a step toward restoring control over national assets.
The Namibian government has made it clear that compliance is non-negotiable.
Authorities have warned that any attempts to bypass immigration laws will result in swift deportation.
“We now want to take full control of our diamond mines,” a government official reiterated.
