Windhoek - Post Report Question and Answers
What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Many spouses have DETO or telework jobs based in the US. There are jobs in the embassy for EFMs who want them. The local salary is very low and expats have to jump through hoops to get a job on the local economy. The local unemployment rate is over 20% so they aren't going to make it easier for a foreigner to come and take a job. - Jul 2024
Most spouses work low-paying jobs at Embassy. Local work visas in the local economy are VERY difficult to get. Employers must justify why they cannot hire a Namibian. Best to telecommute to a job that pays your home country's currency. - Jan 2021
There are a few people who work outside of the embassy, but most of them do telework. I believe we currently have one AEFM who works on the local economy. - Jan 2016
There are the usual spots open in the embassy for spouses, and sometimes the other embassies open their positions to expats. But the local economy pays in local money, which isn't exactly a ton. Everyone I know who wanted a job has found one. - May 2013
Many expats work on the local economy. - Jan 2013
Family members can work legally here, but salaries aren't that much and there seem to be enough U.S. jobs in the mission to keep family members satisfied. - Jul 2012
