The South African Department of Home Affairs is responsible for the processing of asylum applications.
An application for asylum may be made at any port of entry in South Africa.
An applicant who is not at a port of entry may apply to the nearest office of the Department. Applications are only considered if they are submitted within 30 days after arrival in South Africa.
An application for a residence permit may be refused if:- The applicant is not in possession of an approved document.- The applicant does not provide sufficient information about their previous stay in South Africa.-
There are reasonable grounds to believe that an applicant will use the permit for fraudulent purposes and/or as a method of obtaining residential status or remain in South Africa illegally (e.g. working illegally).
An applicant has overstayed their visitor’s permit. (Please note: an applicant cannot get a visitor’s permit if they are applying for refugee status, humanitarian or temporary protection).
A person is intending to apply for asylum under the United Nations Refugee Convention and the 1967 Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees and/or they intend to claim refugee status while in South Africa.- A person intends to change their domicile from South Africa and this has been confirmed by a competent court.
What happens when you apply for asylum in South Africa?
The South African government has a strict policy on asylum seekers. If your asylum application is approved, you will be given a Section 24 permit (also known as a “Refugee Permit”) which offers you temporary protection. This document can be renewed every five years and is usually valid for the duration of the conflict in your home country.
