South Africa’s government announced plans for online asylum registration and appointments by November 10. Applicants would receive a receipt documenting their intention to seek protection. The Sunday announcement also includes a request for judicial guidance on implementing a Constitutional Court judgment, while the government says it remains bound by the existing court order.
The Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration also plans to seek a supervisory order and guidance on implementing the Constitutional Court’s July 7 ruling. The judgment invalidated provisions permitting the deportation of asylum seekers without transit visas. Such visas allow travel from a port of entry to a refugee reception centre to apply. The government said it remained bound by the existing court order while asking about oversight and the time needed to develop operational capacity.[1]
The planned receipt will contain personal particulars, biometric information, a reference number and an appointment. It will document an intention to apply, rather than grant a section 22 visa or refugee status. The government said officials would be instructed not to remove or detain valid receipt holders solely for lacking visas while their applications awaited final determination. Assisted registration will be offered at reception offices and, on request, to detained people. Applicants who miss appointments without requesting extensions will lose those appointments.[1]
