WINDHOEK: Namibians intending to travel to Canada will now require a visa to enter that country. Namibians will as from 13 September this year also be expected to meet a number of requirements before they are allowed into Canada, according to a media statement issued by the Canadian High Commission in Pretoria today.
Canadian Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multi-culturalism Jason Kenney is quoted in the statement as saying that they continue to welcome genuine visitors to Canada.He noted that these visa requirements will give them greater ability to manage the flow of people into Canada.
The change will allow the Citizenship and Immigration of Canada (CIC) office and its partners to screen more travellers for security risks prior to their arrival in Canada, and will help to significantly reduce the risk that individuals engaged in organised crime or the trafficking of persons could gain entry to that country. This visa policy change means that nationals from St Lucia, St Vincent, Namibia, Botswana and Swaziland who want to travel to Canada will first need to apply for a visitor visa, and meet the requirements to receive one.
Namibian Paralympics gold medalist Johanna Benson was once more rewarded handsomely for her exploits by the country’s highest office when President Hifikepunye Pohamba promised her a Diplomatic Passport and house here today.
Apart from her gold and silver medals and accompanying cash rewards, the president and First Lady Penehupifo Pohamba hosted a reception at State House in Benson’s honour today.
Benson brought home the two medals from the recently-concluded 2012 London Paralympics Games – a gold medal for winning the 200m T37 sprint, and a silver medal for the T37 100m.
Government already pledged N.dollars 100 000 for a gold medal, and N.dolllars 70 000 for a silver medal won at the 2012 Paralympics Games.
The Head of State said during the event that the achievement by this exceptional young lady has brought smiles to the faces of many Namibians, and must serve as an inspiration to the Namibian youth, especially those living with disabilities that nothing can stand in their way.