🇳🇦NamibiaSouthern Africa
Ministry defends work visa policy for foreign pilots amid industry concerns
via The Namibian2 min read
The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security has defended its work visa policy for foreign pilots, stating it is fair and not hindering the airline industry. Executive director Nghidinua Daniel explained that work visas are granted to foreigners only when they are qualified and no Namibians are available for the roles, prioritizing Namibian citizens in the labor market. This defense follows a white paper from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Aopa highlighting a critical shortage of pilots, with only 202 Namibian commercial pilot license holders, leading to a shortfall of at least 74 commercial pilots and flight instructors. The association claims this shortage has caused airlines to ground planes, particularly impacting high-end tourism dependent on charter flights. Daniel also noted that applications might be rejected if incomplete or if there's insufficient proof of efforts to recruit Namibians. He added that expatriates are expected to help build local capacity through understudy programs and skills transfer. However, Aopa chief executive Matt Totten stated that commercial pilot licenses cannot be earned through observation, requiring formal training at an accredited Namibian Civil Aviation Authority NCAA training organization. He emphasized that flying fare-paying passengers without a valid NCAA-issued or validated commercial pilot license is a criminal offense. Totten also mentioned that flight instructors are fully employed, producing only 10
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Tadej Pogacar secured his third stage victory this week, sealing overall success in the Tour of Switzerland. The world champion caught French climber Lenny Martinez 800 meters from the finish line after a 152km mountainous stage. Pogacar gradually closed a 1 minute 30 second lead held by Martinez, ultimately winning by seven seconds. The 27-year-old Slovenian expressed satisfaction with testing his legs and lungs on the climb. Martinez, 22, who was part of an 11-man breakaway, acknowledged Pogacar's strength and insatiable will to win. This marks Pogacar's first victory at the Tour of Switzerland, meaning he has now won six of the seven most historic week-long stage races. His overall margin of victory ahead of Ecuador's Richard Carapaz was 6 minutes 32 seconds. Pogacar has 13 wins from 16 race days this year, setting a strong precedent for his bid for a record-equalling fifth Tour de France victory next month.
Fifteen-year-old cricket player Vaibhav Sooryavanshi achieved the fastest half-century in List A history, reaching the milestone in just 11 balls during an India A match against Sri Lanka A in Dambulla. The Board of Control for Cricket in India BCCI praised the teenager for his performance. Sooryavanshi scored 94 runs off 29 deliveries, contributing to India A's total of 377-9. This left-handed batsman's 11-ball fifty established a new record for the quickest half-century in the 50-over format. Sooryavanshi was selected for India’s T20 squad for tours to Ireland and England, and the Asian Games, following his success in the Indian Premier League where he was the leading run-scorer for Rajasthan Royals with 776 runs, including one century and five half-centuries.
Spain secured a 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in their World Cup Group H match, with Lamine Yamal opening the scoring after 10 minutes. Mikel Oyarzabal added two goals, and an own goal from Hassan al-Tambakti completed Spain's tally. This win places Spain at the top of Group H with four points after two matches. Spain's coach, Luis De la Fuente, emphasized the need for continued improvement. Meanwhile, Cape Verde, who drew with Spain in their first game, will face Uruguay, with coach Pedro Leitao Brito, known as “Bubista,” stating his team will play "without fear." Cape Verde's goalkeeper, Vozinha, will have his mother, Ana Candida Evora, watching after she received a US visa. In other World Cup news, Belgium will play Iran without Jeremy Doku due to respiratory problems, while Iran's coach Amir Ghalenoei expressed concerns about US travel restrictions affecting his team. Germany advanced to the knockout rounds after a 2-1 win against Ivory Coast, and Curacao's 0-0 draw with Ecuador ensured Germany will win Group E. The Netherlands defeated Sweden 5-1, and Japan beat Tunisia 4-0.