NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION 1562
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 21 June 2013
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 22 of 2013
Mr M R Sayedali Shah (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
What criteria are used to approve extensions of less than three months to
(a) refugees and
(b) asylum seekers?
NW1908E
REPLY:
The following criteria are used to consider and approve extensions of less
than three months in respect of:
a) Refugees: In instances where there is a cessation
recommended by the United Nations High Commissioner
for Refugees ( UNHCR) or where the Standing Committee
for Refugee Affairs (SCRA) is intending to reconsider
the refugee status in terms of section 36 of the
Refugees Status Act, 1998 (Act No 130 of 1998), the
Refugee Status Determination Office (RSDO) may extand
the permit for a period less than three months,
guided by the caseload of SCRA..
b) Asylum seekers: In terms of Regulation 7(1) of the
Refugee Regulations (Forms and Procedures), a permit
issued in terms of section 22 of the Refugees Act,
will be of limited duration and contain an expiry
date and will be renewed at a Refugee Reception
Office upon the appearance of the applicant for each
scheduled appointment which is informed by the stage
at which the application is and the available
capacity.