The Southern African Migration Network (SAMIN) has launched its Namibian Chapter under the theme "Building Bridges: Advancing Migration Dialogue in Namibia". 

Established in 2019, SAMIN aligns with SADC objectives and advocates for the rights of refugees and migrants across the Southern African region. 

The launch of the Namibia Chapter forms part of SAMIN's broader efforts to expand migration dialogue across Southern Africa and encourage cooperation among governments and all other stakeholders.

"We will be working collaboratively to advance the agenda, which is mainly around advocating for best practices on migration and for advocating for better treatment for migrants and asylum seekers and refugees in the region, but also on the continent," said SAMIN Secretariat Spokesperson Basetsane Mosia.

SAMIN Namibia Launch Coordinator Immanuel Simao said the new chapter will create a platform for different sectors to work together and generate evidence-based research on migration in Namibia.

"There's no concerted effort in dealing with the migration issues, so that's what SAMIN is about, bringing everyone together so we can have these conversations in terms of migration and how we can make it work in the Namibian context and overall in the Southern African regional context as well."

He said the network aims to address the fragmented approach to migration issues and ensure that migrants themselves are part of discussions affecting their lives.

Member of Parliament Utaara Mootu said Namibia's approach to migration needs to take into account the country's own history, arguing that movement across African territories existed long before colonial borders were established.

"Africa alone cannot be simultaneously excited to preach about regional integration while we remain excessively suspicious about African mobility. We cannot continue to celebrate continental free trade at the AU while treating the movement of African people who live within that, in whom must trade, who must study and invest within that free trade as an afterthought."

She said migration cannot be addressed by immigration officials or law enforcement alone but requires cooperation between government, civil society, legal practitioners, researchers and the media.

The Southern Africa Migration Network Namibia Chapter aims to rethink migration within the country, examining how Namibia can balance its national interests with regional cooperation on migration issues.