Latest revision as of 12:55, 12 July 2021

The official flag.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Sand dunes in Namib Desert.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Children in Khorixas.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

'
Source: flickr.com.

Zambezi River.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Namibian children.
Source: flickr.com.

Khomas.
Source: flickr.com.

Quivertree Forest, Bushveld.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

A Namibian child.
Source: flickr.com.

Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating international adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry Universal Accreditation Act.

The information contained on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal advice. Always seek the advice of a licensed and qualified professional. While the content of this website is frequently updated, information changes rapidly and therefore, some information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies, omissions or typographical errors.

About Namibia

South Africa occupied the German colony of South-West Africa during World War I and administered it as a mandate until after World War II, when it annexed the territory. To learn more please read About Namibia.

Hague Convention Information

Namibia is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (the Hague Adoption Convention). Intercountry adoptions of children from non-Hague countries are processed in accordance with 8 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 204.3 as it relates to orphans as defined under the Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(b)(1)(F). To learn more please read about Namibia and the Hague Convention.

Who Can Adopt

In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, you must also meet multiple requirements in order to adopt a child from Namibia. To learn more please read about Who Can Adopt from Namibia.

Who Can Be Adopted

In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, Namibia has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for adoption. To learn more about those requirements, please read Who Can Be Adopted from Namibia.

How to Adopt

Adoption Authority

Namibia’s Adoption Authority

The Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare

The Process

The process for adopting a child from Namibia generally includes the following steps:

Choose an adoption service provider
Apply to be found eligible to adopt
Be matched with a child
Adopt the child in Namibia
Apply for the child to be found eligible for orphan status
Bring your child home

To learn more about this process please read How to Adopt from Namibia.

Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Namibia. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports. Getting or renewing a passport is easy. To learn more please read about Traveling Abroad in Namibia.

After Adoption

What resources are available to assist families after the adoption?

Many adoptive parents find it important to find support after the adoption. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family -- whether it's another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.

Here are some good places to start your support group search:

Child Welfare Information Gateway

North American Council on Adoptable Children

NOTE: Inclusion of non-U.S. Government links does not imply endorsement of contents.

Contact Information

U.S. Embassy in Namibia

Address: 14 Lossen St., Ausspannplatz, Windhoek Tel: 264+61+295-8500 Fax: 264+61+295-8603 Email: consularwindho@state.gov Internet: U.S. Embassy Namibia

Namibia Adoption Authority

Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare Trust Center, Independence Avenue Mail: P.O. Box 13359 Windhoek, Namibia Tel: +264-61-283-3164 Fax: +264-61-229569 Email: genderequality@mgecw.gov.na

Embassy of Namibia

1605 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20009-2511 Tel: 202.986.0540 Fax: 202.986.0443 Email: info@namibianembassyusa.org Internet: Embassy of Namibia

Office of Children’s Issues

U.S. Department of State CA/OCS/CI SA-17, 9th Floor Washington, DC 20522-1709 Tel: 1-888-407-4747 Email: AskCI@state.gov Internet: U.S. Department of State

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

For questions about immigration procedures: National Customer Service Center (NCSC) Tel: 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833) Internet: |USCIS

For questions about filing a Form I-600A or I-600 petition: National Benefits Center Tel: 1-877-424-8374 (toll free); 1-816-251-2770 (local) Email: NBC.Adoptions@DHS.gov

SOURCE

Intercountry Adoption, Bureau of Consular Affairs. U.S. Department of State Country Information adoption.state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=namibia

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/wa-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
-{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/wa-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of Namibia.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
+{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/wa-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
-{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/wa-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Namibia.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
+{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/afr/wa_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
-{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/afr/wa_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Namibia.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
+{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/35/Namib_Desert_Namibia%282%29.jpg/800px-Namib_Desert_Namibia%282%29.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Sand dunes in Namib Desert.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
-{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/35/Namib_Desert_Namibia%282%29.jpg/800px-Namib_Desert_Namibia%282%29.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Sand dunes in Namib Desert, Namibia.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
+{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/57/Children_in_Namibia%281_cropped%29.jpg/800px-Children_in_Namibia%281_cropped%29.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Children in Khorixas.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
-{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/57/Children_in_Namibia%281_cropped%29.jpg/800px-Children_in_Namibia%281_cropped%29.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Children in Khorixas, Namibia.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
+{{#eimage:https://farm1.staticflickr.com/32/62867143_1c51894973.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''''''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
-{{#eimage:https://farm1.staticflickr.com/32/62867143_1c51894973.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Late afternoon in Namibia..'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
+{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/35/Katima_Mulilo_Bridge.jpg/800px-Katima_Mulilo_Bridge.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Zambezi River.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
-{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/35/Katima_Mulilo_Bridge.jpg/800px-Katima_Mulilo_Bridge.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Zambezi River, Namibia.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
 {{#eimage:https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8485/8203699386_3b0bf04375.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Namibian children.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
-{{#eimage:https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4092/4957846975_af8094a5d5.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Khomas, Namibia.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
+{{#eimage:https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4092/4957846975_af8094a5d5.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Khomas.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
-{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c6/SAC_Namibia-bushveld.jpg/800px-SAC_Namibia-bushveld.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Quivertree Forest, Bushveld, Namibia.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
+{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c6/SAC_Namibia-bushveld.jpg/800px-SAC_Namibia-bushveld.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Quivertree Forest, Bushveld.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
 {{#eimage:https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7009/6400842993_6feb29df9e.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A Namibian child.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
+'''Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating [[international]] adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry [[Universal Accreditation Act]].'''
+The information contained on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal advice. Always seek the advice of a licensed and qualified professional. While the content of this website is frequently updated, information changes rapidly and therefore, some information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies, omissions or typographical errors.
-=Hague Convention Information=
+=About Namibia=
-Namibia is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (the Hague Adoption Convention).  Intercountry adoptions of children from non-Hague countries are processed in accordance with [http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&rgn=div5&view=text&node=8:1.0.1.2.8&idno=8#8:1.0.1.2.8.1.1.3 8 Code of Federal Regulations, Section  204.3] as it relates to orphans as defined under the [http://www.uscis.gov/iframe/ilink/docView/SLB/HTML/SLB/0-0-0-1/0-0-0-29/0-0-0-101/0-0-0-434.html Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(b)(1)(F)].
+[[South Africa]] occupied the German colony of South-West Africa during World War I and administered it as a mandate until after World War II, when it annexed the territory. To learn more please read [[About Namibia]].
-A 2007 Namibian High Court ruling makes intercountry adoption possible.  However, there is no specific law governing adoptions in Namibia.  Intercountry adoption is covered by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare pursuant to The Children’s Act of 1960.  Currently, it is very difficult for non-resident foreigners to [[adopt]].  In general, only foreigners residing in Namibia have been allowed to [[adopt]] Namibian children.  Further, the list of prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] for Namibia exceeds the list of children eligible for intercountry adoption, making adoption by non-resident foreigners an even more difficult and lengthy process.
+=Hague Convention Information=
+[[Namibia]] is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry [[Adoption]] (the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention).  Intercountry adoptions of children from non-Hague countries are processed in accordance with [http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&rgn=div5&view=text&node=8:1.0.1.2.8&idno=8#8:1.0.1.2.8.1.1.3 8 Code of Federal Regulations, Section  204.3] as it relates to orphans as defined under the [https://www.uscis.gov/laws-and-policy/legislation/immigration-and-nationality-act Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(b)(1)(F)]. To learn more please read about [[Namibia and the Hague Convention]].
-Intercountry adoption in Namibia is legal but bureaucratically complex.  At a minimum, it involves approval from the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare and a final court order recognizing the adoption.  Close coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration is also required.  Each intercountry adoption in Namibia is handled according to its unique circumstances; specific steps, and the order in which they occur, may vary from case to case.
+=Who Can Adopt=
+In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, you must also meet multiple requirements in order to [[adopt]] a child from [[Namibia]]. To learn more please read about [[Who Can Adopt from Namibia]].
-'''U.S. IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTIONS'''
+=Who Can Be Adopted=
-To bring an [[adopted]] child to the United States from Namibia, you must meet [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/who_can_adopt/eligibility.php eligibility and suitability requirements].  The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), determines [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/who.php Who Can Adopt] under U.S. immigration law.
+In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, [[Namibia]] has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. To learn more about those requirements, please read [[Who Can Be Adopted from Namibia]].
-Additionally, a child must meet the [http://www.uscis.gov/tools/glossary/orphan definition of orphan] under U.S. law in order to be eligible to immigrate to the United States on an IR-3 or IR-4 immigrant visa.
+=How to Adopt=
-=Who Can Adopt=
+==Adoption Authority==
-In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, you must also meet the following requirements in order to [[adopt]] a child from Namibia:
+'''[[Namibia]]’s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
-==Residency==
+The Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare
-While there are no legal residency requirements, few non-resident U.S. citizens have successfully [[adopted]] Namibian children.
+==The Process==
-==Age of Adopting Parents==
+The process for adopting a child from [[Namibia]] generally includes the following steps:
-Prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]](s) must be at least 25 years of age and at least 15 years older than the prospective adoptive child.
-==Marriage==
+# Choose an [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]]
+# Apply to be found eligible to [[adopt]]
+# Be matched with a child
+# [[Adopt]] the child in [[Namibia]]
+# Apply for the child to be found eligible for orphan status
+# Bring your child home
-Married couples may [[adopt]] jointly, or one spouse may [[adopt]] the other spouse’s child.  Single people, including those who are widowed, separated, or divorced, may also [[adopt]].
+To learn more about this process please read [[How to Adopt from Namibia]].
-==Income==
-There is no set income requirement.  As part of the evaluation process for prospective parents, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare will make a determination regarding the parents’ ability to financially support the child.
+=Traveling Abroad=
-==Other==
+'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
-The only successful adoptions by U.S. citizens in recent years were ones where either (1) one or both of the parents were Namibian citizens or former Namibian citizens, or (2) the parents were long-term residents of Namibia who maintained care and [[custody]] of the [[adopted]] child in Namibia for a period exceeding two years.
+A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave [[Namibia]]. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports.  Getting or renewing a passport is easy. To learn more please read about [[Traveling Abroad in Namibia]].
-=Who Can Be Adopted=
-In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, Namibia has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for adoption:
+=After Adoption=
+'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
-'''[[Relinquishment]]:'''  The [[Social Worker|social worker]] must present proof to the Children’s Court (also known as Family Court) that the prospective adoptive child’s birth parents are not able to care for him/her and consent to the adoption.  The [[Social Worker|social worker]] must also present proof to the court that no family member or relative is able to [[adopt]] the child, and that no other domestic placement is possible.  The length of this process will vary from case to case.  The court must be satisfied that the adoption is in the best interest of the child.  If the child is ten years of age or older, he or she must consent to the proposed adoption.
+Many [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] find it important to find support after the [[adoption]]. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family -- whether it's another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.
-'''[[Abandonment]]/Death of Parents:'''  A child whose parents are both deceased, or who has been abandoned, is available for adoption.  In the case of the parents’ death, government-issued death certificates must be obtained.  If the child has been abandoned, evidence of [[abandonment]] will be required.
-'''Age of Adoptive Child:'''  The prospective adoptive child must be younger than age 18.  Please note that in order for a child to meet the definition of orphan under U.S. immigration law, a Form [[I-600]] petition must be filed while the child is under the age of 16 (or under the age of 18 if [[adopted]], or to be [[adopted]], together with a sibling under the age of 16).
+Here are some good places to start your support group search:
-'''Sibling Adoptions:'''  The Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare strongly advocates that siblings remain together and be [[adopted]] by the same family.
-'''[[Special Needs]] or Medical Conditions:'''  All children must undergo a medical examination, after which the [[Social Worker|social worker]] will assess suitability for adoption.  If approved for adoption by the [[Social Worker|social worker]], the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare matches the child with prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]].  There are no additional procedures for children with [[Special Needs|special needs]], other than identifying their condition in the medical report.
+[https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_postadoption.cfm Child Welfare Information Gateway]
-'''Waiting Period or Foster Care:'''  The length of the process depends on how long the investigation by the [[Social Worker|social worker]] takes, whether the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] submitted all required documents to the Children’s Court, when the next available court date is, and whether the birth parents are also available to attend the hearing.
+[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]
-'''Caution:'''  Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] should be aware that not all children in orphanages or children’s homes are adoptable.  In many countries, birth parents place their child(ren) temporarily in an orphanage or children’s home due to financial or other hardship, intending that the child return home when this becomes possible.  In such cases, the birth parent(s) have rarely relinquished their [[Parental Rights|parental rights]] or consented to their child(ren)’s adoption.
-=How to Adopt=
+'''NOTE:''' Inclusion of non-U.S. Government links does not imply endorsement of contents.
+=Contact Information=
-==    Adoption Authority==
+'''U.S. Embassy in [[Namibia]]'''
-==The Process==
+Address: 14 Lossen St., Ausspannplatz, Windhoek
+Tel: 264+61+295-8500
+Fax: 264+61+295-8603
+Email:  consularwindho@state.gov
+Internet:  [http://windhoek.usembassy.gov/ U.S. Embassy Namibia]
-=Traveling Abroad=
+'''[[Namibia]] [[Adoption]] Authority'''
-'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
+Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare
+Trust Center, Independence Avenue
+Mail: P.O. Box 13359
+Windhoek, [[Namibia]]
+Tel:  +264-61-283-3164
+Fax:  +264-61-229569
+Email:  genderequality@mgecw.gov.na
-A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Namibia. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports.  Getting or renewing a passport is easy. The [https://pptform.state.gov/ Passport Application Wizard] will help you determine which passport form you need, help you to complete the form online, estimate your payment, and generate the form for you to print-all in one place.
+'''Embassy of [[Namibia]]'''
+[[New Hampshire]] Avenue, N.W.
+[[Washington]], D.C.  20009-2511
+Tel:  202.986.0540
+Fax:  202.986.0443
+Email:  info@namibianembassyusa.org
+Internet:  [http://namibianembassyusa.org/ Embassy of Namibia]
-'''Obtaining Your Visa'''
-In addition to a U.S. passport, you also need to obtain a visa. A visa is an official document issued by a foreign country that formally allows you to visit. Where required, visas are attached to your passport and allow you to enter a foreign nation.  To find information about obtaining a visa for Namibia, see the Department of State's [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html Country Specific Information].
+'''Office of Children’s Issues'''
+U.S. Department of State
+CA/OCS/CI
+SA-17, 9th Floor
+[[Washington]], DC 20522-1709
+Tel:  1-888-407-4747
+Email:  AskCI@state.gov
+Internet:  [http://adoption.state.gov U.S. Department of State]
-'''Staying Safe on Your Trip'''
-Before you travel, it's always a good practice to investigate the local conditions, laws, political landscape, and culture of the country. The State Department is a good place to start.  The Department of State provides [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html Country Specific Information] for every country of the world about various issues, including the health conditions, crime, unusual currency or entry requirements, and any areas of instability.
+'''U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)'''
+For questions about immigration procedures:
+National Customer Service Center (NCSC)
+Tel:  1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)
+Internet:  [http://uscis.gov |USCIS]
-'''Staying in Touch on Your Trip'''
-When traveling during the [[adoption]] process, we encourage you to register your trip with the Department of State. Travel registration makes it possible to contact you if necessary. Whether there's a family emergency in the United States, or a crisis in Namibia, registration assists the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in reaching you. Registration is free and can be done online.
-=After Adoption=
+For questions about filing a Form [[I-600A]] or [[I-600]] petition:
+National Benefits Center
+Tel:  1-877-424-8374 (toll free); 1-816-251-2770 (local)
+Email:  NBC.Adoptions@DHS.gov
 ==SOURCE==
-'''Intercountry [[Adoption]], Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information'''
+'''Intercountry [[Adoption]], Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information''' [[adoption]].state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=[[namibia]]
 [[Category: International Adoption]]

Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Namibia"