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Home affairs to launch online asylum registration by 10 November

Published

Applicants will register their intent online, get a receipt and book a biometric appointment at a refugee reception office. Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said the receipt is not refugee status or an asylum visa, and that deportations will continue.

Kubayi chairs the interministerial committee on immigration. She said the receipt is proof that a person intends to apply for asylum. She said holders will not be arrested or deported only for lacking a visa while their application is pending.

Home affairs withdrew a directive dated 28 September that let foreign nationals submit asylum applications at its offices. The directive sparked unrest. Home affairs said the withdrawal does not change its commitment to comply with the Constitutional Court ruling.

Kubayi said anyone whose claim was finally rejected has no right to apply again. She said such a person must be deported if they miss the appointment without a valid extension. She called the new model a responsible and lawful mechanism to meet constitutional duties in an orderly way.

Key facts

Who
Mmamoloko Kubayi (Justice minister and chair of the interministerial committee on immigration); Department of Home Affairs (Government department launching the online asylum registration system)
What
Home affairs plans a phased online asylum registration system, where applicants register intent online, receive a receipt and book a biometric appointment at refugee reception offices. Justice minister Mmamoloko Kubayi says the receipt is not a refugee status or asylum visa but proof of intention to apply, and that holders will not be arrested or deported solely for lacking a visa while pending.
When
11 October 2026
Where
Soweto, Durban, South Africa
Status
Reported

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