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Home Affairs proposes new refugee office at Beitbridge

Published

The Department of Home Affairs also wants to close the Tshwane Refugee Reception Office and make a set category of asylum seekers report to Beitbridge. The public can send comment on the proposals until 30 November 2026.

The Department of Home Affairs published the proposals in a Government Gazette on Friday. They would set up a Refugee Reception Office at the Beitbridge Port of Entry. They would also disestablish the Tshwane Refugee Reception Office.

The Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration welcomed the proposals. It said they aim to improve the administration of asylum applications, strengthen identity checks and enhance security screening. It also said they would reduce opportunities for abuse of the asylum system.

The committee said the reporting rules would improve efficiency, keep records accurate, strengthen biometric verification and support case management. It said the proposals do not change the legal rights and protections of asylum seekers under South African law.

Written submissions must reach the department by 30 November 2026. Advocate Moses Malakate, Chief Director of Legal Services at Home Affairs, is the contact for submissions.

Key facts

Who
Mmamoloko Kubayi (Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development; chairs the IMC on Migration); Moses Malakate (Advocate; Chief Director: Legal Services, Department of Home Affairs, contact…); Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration (welcomed the publication of the proposals and issued statements); Department of Home Affairs (published the proposals in the Government Gazette)
What
The Department of Home Affairs published proposals in a Government Gazette on Friday to establish a Refugee Reception Office at Beitbridge Port of Entry, disestablish the Tshwane Refugee Reception Office, and require a specified category of asylum seekers to report to Beitbridge. The Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration welcomed the proposals and invited public comment by 30 November 2026.
When
30 October 2026
Where
Beitbridge, Tshwane, Pretoria
Status
Reported

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