Law clinics flooded as Home Affairs blocks asylum seekers from the system
Refugee offices are not processing new applications unless immigrants have a transit visa, despite a court ruling that this is unconstitutional.
Home Affairs has stopped processing new asylum applications unless applicants have a transit visa, say lawyers. Home Affairs has not responded to queries.
Law clinics are overwhelmed with queries from asylum seekers blocked from accessing South Africa’s asylum system.
Asylum Application Process
Asylum seekers are required to apply for an asylum seeker’s permit in person at a Refugee Reception Office within five days of arriving in South Africa.
- Durban
- Musina
- Pretoria
- Cape Town
- Port Elizabeth
Since April 2024, access to the asylum system has been restricted to only those who have a valid asylum transit visa, issued at an official port of entry, valid for five days.
Home Affairs has not responded to our queries.
Author's summary: Asylum seekers face barriers in South Africa.