Good News for Foreign Nationals Living in South Africa

Foreign nationals who want to seek asylum in South Africa will soon be able to start the process online. The Department of Home Affairs plans to introduce a new online registration system on 10 November 2026.

Under the new model, people seeking refugee protection will first register their intention to apply for asylum on an online platform. They will then attend an appointment at a designated Refugee Reception Office (RRO). After registering, each applicant will receive a receipt that shows their personal details, a reference number and the date of their appointment at the office.

Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, who chairs the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration, announced the plan. It comes as the government works to improve the asylum application process following a Constitutional Court ruling. The new system is meant to deal with problems in the current registration process and to make it easier for people who need protection to enter the formal asylum system without unnecessary delays.

Biometric registration will be compulsory. This will allow officials to confirm the identity of each applicant and manage asylum applications more effectively.

People who do not have internet access, or who find the online platform difficult to use, will not be left out. Assisted registration will be available at Refugee Reception Offices. On request, help will also be given to people who are held in police or immigration detention.

The announcement comes at a time of ongoing national debate about immigration, border security and the treatment of foreign nationals in South Africa.

It is important to note that registering online does not mean a person is automatically granted refugee status. Every applicant must still go through the required assessment and legal procedures before a claim can be approved. The online system only changes how people enter the asylum process, and it is due to start on 10 November 2026.

Source : https://x.com/TheTruthPanther/status/2109221083299590257

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