Craft Bistro restaurant co-owner Petra Illing has filed an urgent application at the Windhoek High Court.

The businesswoman wants the court to stop the minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security from deporting her.

Illing, a German national, has been in Namibia for 28 years and says she regards Namibia as her permanent home.

Petra Illing was picked up by immigration officials on Wednesday at her place of business and was subsequently given 48 hours to leave Namibia.

She has applied for short-term work visas multiple times, which were extended. The last one expired on November 11, 2022.

Her troubles came to light after her employees stopped working at the high-end bistro, alleging the owners had not paid them for the work done in November last year.

Illing further wants the court to order the immigration selection board to issue her a short-term employment visa pending her application to become a permanent resident.

The matter will be heard by High Court Judge Usiku Boas on January 27.