Lobbyists Raise Concerns Over Refugee Processing Delays in South Africa
Lobbyists- June 21, 2025 – As the world marked World Refugee Day on Friday, refugee advocacy organizations in South Africa sounded the alarm about systemic challenges in the country’s asylum process. Lobbyists are calling for urgent reforms to ensure that refugees and asylum seekers are not left in limbo for years due to bureaucratic and social obstacles.
The Consortium for Refugees and Migrants in South Africa (CoRMSA), one of the nation’s leading advocacy groups, emphasized the dire need for collaboration among government departments to address processing delays. According to CoRMSA and other lobbyists, inefficient systems and a lack of coordination have left tens of thousands of refugees stuck in legal uncertainty.
Thifulufheli Sinthumule, executive director of CoRMSA, said that under South African law, individuals fleeing persecution have a right to seek asylum in the country. However, real-world implementation falls short.
“The Refugee Act of South Africa requires that if someone has a credible claim of persecution from their home country, they should report to a refugee reception centre,” Sinthumule explained. “But there are only five refugee reception centres nationwide — located in Musina, Port Elizabeth, Durban, Pretoria, and the Western Cape — and these are overburdened and under-resourced.”
Lobbyists Call for Government Collaboration to Speed Up Refugee Cases
Sinthumule pointed to United Nations data showing that some refugees in South Africa wait up to eight years for their claims to be adjudicated. This prolonged uncertainty impacts their ability to work, access healthcare, and establish stable lives.
“Currently, more than 150,000 appeals for refugee status are pending. That number highlights a broken system,” he said.
Refugee lobbyists argue that such delays not only violate international human rights norms but also exacerbate tensions between migrants and host communities. The bureaucratic hurdles prevent refugees from contributing meaningfully to the economy and society, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation.
In addition to institutional delays, many refugees and asylum seekers face xenophobic attacks and discrimination. Sinthumule noted that anti-migrant sentiment has become increasingly visible in recent years, often fueled by political groups and populist rhetoric.
“We have seen the rise of anti-migration movements such as Operation Dudula and the Patriotic Alliance. These groups push narratives that blame migrants for economic and social issues, leading to targeted violence and discrimination,” Sinthumule said.
According to CoRMSA, this environment of hostility not only places refugees at physical risk but also undermines their mental health and sense of belonging. Lobbyists are urging the government to launch nationwide public awareness campaigns to combat xenophobia and promote social cohesion.
The process of applying for refugee status in South Africa is governed by several legal steps. When someone enters the country and seeks asylum, they must present themselves at a refugee reception centre and submit their claim. Home Affairs officials are then responsible for investigating the claim and determining its legitimacy.
If the claim is approved, the applicant is granted a Section 24 permit, which provides temporary legal status and access to certain rights. However, lobbyists warn that the investigation and adjudication process is deeply flawed.
“Many people with legitimate fears of persecution are stuck without documents because Home Affairs lacks the capacity and will to process their claims efficiently,” Sinthumule said.
He added that common reasons for persecution include political affiliation, religion, ethnic identity, or membership in vulnerable social groups—criteria recognized under international asylum law. But proving these claims often requires legal assistance, which many asylum seekers cannot afford.
As the refugee crisis grows globally, lobbyists in South Africa are calling on the government to increase investment in the asylum system. Proposals include expanding the number of reception centres, hiring more case workers, and creating clearer timelines for processing.
“Without a functioning refugee system, we risk violating both national and international legal obligations,” Sinthumule warned. “The government must prioritize this issue and treat it as a matter of human rights and dignity.”
CoRMSA and other refugee advocacy groups plan to submit a formal memorandum to the Department of Home Affairs in the coming weeks, outlining policy reforms and offering collaboration on implementation.
On a day meant to recognize the strength and resilience of displaced people, refugee lobbyists in South Africa are urging the nation to live up to its humanitarian responsibilities. Delays, discrimination, and disorganization are not just administrative issues—they have real, human consequences for thousands of people seeking safety and stability.
“Refugees are not criminals or threats—they are survivors,” said Sinthumule. “They deserve dignity, protection, and timely justice.”
Source- EWN
