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How to Apply for Birth Registration in Namibia: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers
In this post, we will provide a comprehensive guide on who can apply for birth registration and what information is needed. Birth registration is an essential step in ensuring a child’s identity and rights are recognized by the government. In Namibia, birth registration is compulsory, and failure to register a child’s birth can lead to difficulties later in life. However, understanding who can apply for birth registration and what information is required can be confusing.
Married parents:
If both parents want to register the birth and are married, either parent can apply for birth registration. However, they must provide a marriage certificate, and the child’s surname will be that of the married parents. If the parents use different surnames, they can choose which surname to give the child.
Unmarried parents:
If both parents want to register the birth, but they are not married, either parent can apply for registration. However, the father will only be listed on the birth certificate if both parents consent to it. If the father is to be listed, he must be present or provide a sworn statement consenting to be listed on the birth certificate. The child’s surname can be that of either parent, but if the father is to be listed, both he and the mother must consent to his surname being used.
Single parent:
If only one parent wants to register the birth, and the other parent is alive but not participating, either parent can apply for birth registration. The mother is not required to give any information about the father, but the father must provide documents for the mother if he is the one registering the child. The child’s surname will be that of the parent registering the birth, but if the father and mother both consent, the father’s surname can be used.
Deceased parent:
If one parent wants to register the birth, and the other parent is deceased, the surviving parent can apply for birth registration. If the parents were unmarried, the mother is not required to provide information about the father. Still, the death certificate of the deceased parent should be provided if his/her name is to be added to the birth certificate. If a death certificate is provided, the surname of either parent can be used. If the death certificate is not available, the surname of the parent registering the child will be used.
Orphaned child:
If there are no parents living, and the child is an orphan, the child’s caregiver can apply for birth registration. They must provide any document that proves the child’s identity and place of birth, such as parent’s ID cards, birth certificates, death certificates, or a letter from a headman, school principal, or social worker. The child’s surname can be that of either parent, provided that there is sufficient information to prove the relationship.
Child registration by themselves:
If there are no parents living, and the child is an orphan and is old enough, they can register their own birth. However, they must be accompanied by two people who were born in Namibia, have a Namibian ID, and are at least five years older than the child. They must confirm that the child was born in Namibia, and if any document of either of the child’s parents exists, it should be provided. The child’s surname can be that of either parent, provided there is sufficient information to prove the relationship.
Frequently asked questions
Who can register a birth in Namibia?
Either parent can register the birth in Namibia, depending on the situation.
What documents are needed to register a birth in Namibia?
The required documents vary depending on the situation, but they can include a marriage certificate, birth certificate, death certificate, and other documents that prove the child’s identity and place of birth.
What surname will be on the child’s birth certificate if both parents are married?
The child’s birth certificate will have the surname of the married parents, and they can choose which surname to give the child if they have different surnames.
What surname will be on the child’s birth certificate if the parents are not married?
The surname on the child’s birth certificate can be that of either parent, but if the father is not present, the child will have the mother’s surname.
Can the father be listed on the birth certificate if the parents are not married?
Yes, the father can be listed on the birth certificate if both parents consent to it, and the father is present or provides a sworn statement that he has consented to be listed on the birth certificate.
What happens if the other parent is alive but not participating in the registration of the child?
The parent registering the birth can provide the necessary documents, and the child will have the surname of the parent registering the birth. The father’s surname will be used only if both he and the mother consent to this.
What happens if one parent is deceased?
If the parents were unmarried, the surviving parent can register the birth and provide a death certificate of the deceased parent if his/her name is to be added to the birth certificate. If a death certificate is provided, the surname of either parent can be used.
Can an orphaned child register their own birth?
Yes, if they are old enough, they can register their own birth, provided they are accompanied by two people who were born in Namibia, have a Namibian ID, and are at least 5 years older than the child.
What surname will be on the birth certificate if the child is orphaned?
The child’s birth certificate will have the surname of either parent, provided that there is sufficient information to prove the relationship.
Can a parent register the birth of a child without providing information about the other parent?
Yes, in some situations, such as when the other parent is deceased or not participating in the registration of the child, one parent can register the birth without providing information about the other parent.
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