Motsoaledi extends validity of expired asylum seeker visas and refugee statuses

HOME Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has extended the validity of asylum seeker visas and refugee statuses which expired during the lockdown, to next month.

His department and its partners are now calling on qualifying asylum seekers and refugees to renew their expired visas and statuses online before the new deadline of June 30.

According to Motsoaledi’s spokesperson, Siya Qoza, the online extension is aimed at providing the visa service in a way that contributes to limiting the spread of Covid-19. This means foreigners don’t have to physically go to a refugee reception office.

The department started to offer the online extension service of asylum seeker visas and refugee statuses on April 15.

“In terms of process, when making a request for an online extension, a client sends an email message to a dedicated email address.

“The client will then receive a response outlining the process to follow, a template and list of required documents. Once all documents are sent and received at Home Affairs, the department will consider the request and communicate its decision by email,” said Qoza.

In cases where a request cannot be processed online and requires that the requester should appear in person at a Refugee Reception Office, a letter stating that will be sent.

Meanwhile the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) officials and immigration are still continuing to assist refugees and asylum seekers who are temporarily accommodated in Paint City, Bellville, and Wingfield to verify the status of foreign nationals who may have lost or misplaced their documents and those who are undocumented.

According to Qoza some of these people need these documents to satisfy the requirements for voluntary repatriation back to their countries of origin and for reintegration into communities.

Although some refugees, especially at Paint City, have rejected the two offers, Qoza said many at both facilities came forward and communicated which option they chose.

Motsoaledi ruled out resettlement to other countries.

◆ Visit http://www.dha.gov.za/index. php/immigration-services/refugeestatus-asylum