The Ministry of Justice has raised the income threshold for qualifying for legal aid from N$3,500 to N$7,000 per month.

This is according to the ministry's spokesperson, Edmund Khoaseb, who said the amendment follows amendments to the Legal Aid Regulations under the Legal Aid Act 1990. The changes are aimed at enhancing access to justice for indigent litigants.

“Under the amended regulations, a person may qualify for legal aid if their monthly income does not exceed $7,000. This substantial increase from the previous threshold ensures that more individuals will have access to legal assistance at the state’s expense, significantly widening the safety net for those in need of legal representation,” he said.

Khoaseb noted that with the new changes, the ministry expects an increased number of applications for legal aid and is therefore in the process of appointing additional legal aid counsel.

Furthermore, there are plans to appoint assistant legal aid counsel in the next financial year to handle criminal cases in the magistrate’s courts.

He further said the civil cases unit within the directorate will also be strengthened, with a particular focus on cases that have a socio-economic impact.

“This strategic allocation of resources underscores the ministry’s commitment to addressing the broader social and economic challenges faced by our communities through effective legal intervention,” he added.

The Ministry of Justice has allocated N$35 million to legal aid to effectively implement the new changes and will collaborate with the Law Society and the Legal Aid Clinic of the University of Namibia to ensure that clients receive essential legal representation, Khoaseb concluded.