Applying for Asylum

Applying for Asylum
There are many reasons why people came to South Africa. If you have left your country because of persecution and fear for your life if you were to return then you may apply for asylum. This process is governed by the Refugees Act of 1998. A specific procedure must be followed: Declare your intention at the point of crossing into South Africa. Present yourself at the nearest Refugee Reception Office; the Johannesburg Refugee Reception Office is at 31 Planet Avenue, Crown Mines. Bring two passport-size photos. You will be interviewed and asked about your reasons for seeking asylum. Your fingerprints will be taken and you will be issued with a section 22 temporary permit and asked to return for a second interview. Ideally you should receive a decision regarding your status as a refugee within three months of your application; however, because of severe backlogs this process takes much longer. You are expected to return to the Refugee Reception Office to renew your temporary permit for as long as it takes to finalise your refugee status. Once your status as a refugee has been determined you are issued with a section 24 permit that is valid for two years, renewable three months before expiry. You may now apply for a refugee identity document and a travel document that replaces your passport. If your application has been rejected, you may appeal the decision within 30 days. Section 22 and 24 permits allow the holder to live, work and study in South Africa. Useful Information Health: Whenever you experience health problems approach your nearest primary health care clinic. Services are free of charge. While having valid documentation is not a pre-requisite, take along your section 22 or 24 permit. If you require hospital attention, the local clinic must refer you. Hospitals will not attend to you without a referral from a clinic unless it is an emergency. Hospitals charge an administrative fee of not more than R50. If you cannot afford this fee obtain an affidavit from the nearest South African Police Service station, explaining your financial situation. Employment: Section 27(f) of the Refugees Act states that a refugee is entitled to seek employment in South Africa. Employment may be sought in almost all sectors of the job market. Many employers are unaware of the conditions of asylum seeker and refugee permits. Explain these conditions in your CV; you may also attach a letter from organisations such as the Migrant Helpdesk explaining the validity and conditions of your permit. All foreign qualifications require an evaluation accounting to South African standards. Documents should be submitted to the South African Qualifications Authority. These certificates state what level of qualification you have in terms of South African standards. As an asylum seeker or refugee you are protected by the labour law of the country and should you be unfairly dismissed from work, you may report the matter to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) within 39 days. Education: According to the South African Constitution, everyone has the right to basic education, including basic adult education. Approach the closest public school to where you live and apply for registration; if you experience any difficulty contact the Department of Education. If you are unable to pay school fees, make an application for en exemption. There are certain service organisations that specifically provide assistance with regard to this. For tertiary education bursaries, contact the United Nations High Commission for Refugees or the institutions directly.
Applying for Asylum

There are many reasons why people came to South Africa. If you have left your country because of persecution and fear for your life if you were to return then you may apply for asylum. This process is governed by the Refugees Act of 1998. A specific procedure must be followed:

Declare your intention at the point of crossing into South Africa.
Present yourself at the nearest Refugee Reception Office; the Johannesburg Refugee Reception Office is at 31 Planet Avenue, Crown Mines.
Bring two passport-size photos.
You will be interviewed and asked about your reasons for seeking asylum.
Your fingerprints will be taken and you will be issued with a section 22 temporary permit and asked to return for a second interview.
Ideally you should receive a decision regarding your status as a refugee within three months of your application; however, because of severe backlogs this process takes much longer.
You are expected to return to the Refugee Reception Office to renew your temporary permit for as long as it takes to finalise your refugee status.
Once your status as a refugee has been determined you are issued with a section 24 permit that is valid for two years, renewable three months before expiry.
You may now apply for a refugee identity document and a travel document that replaces your passport.
If your application has been rejected, you may appeal the decision within 30 days.
Section 22 and 24 permits allow the holder to live, work and study in South Africa.

Useful Information

Health:

Whenever you experience health problems approach your nearest primary health care clinic. Services are free of charge. While having valid documentation is not a pre-requisite, take along your section 22 or 24 permit. If you require hospital attention, the local clinic must refer you.

Hospitals will not attend to you without a referral from a clinic unless it is an emergency. Hospitals charge an administrative fee of not more than R50. If you cannot afford this fee obtain an affidavit from the nearest South African Police Service station, explaining your financial situation.

Employment:

Section 27(f) of the Refugees Act states that a refugee is entitled to seek employment in South Africa.
Employment may be sought in almost all sectors of the job market.
Many employers are unaware of the conditions of asylum seeker and refugee permits. Explain these conditions in your CV; you may also attach a letter from organisations such as the Migrant Helpdesk explaining the validity and conditions of your permit.
All foreign qualifications require an evaluation accounting to South African standards. Documents should be submitted to the South African Qualifications Authority. These certificates state what level of qualification you have in terms of South African standards.
As an asylum seeker or refugee you are protected by the labour law of the country and should you be unfairly dismissed from work, you may report the matter to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) within 39 days.

Education:

According to the South African Constitution, everyone has the right to basic education, including basic adult education.
Approach the closest public school to where you live and apply for registration; if you experience any difficulty contact the Department of Education.
If you are unable to pay school fees, make an application for en exemption. There are certain service organisations that specifically provide assistance with regard to this.
For tertiary education bursaries, contact the United Nations High Commission for Refugees or the institutions directly.

Applying for Asylum