| Media release |
| Home Affairs still processing applications for asylum in Musina |
MEDIA STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE CHIEF DIRECTORATE: COMMUNICATION SERVICES
In relation to the closure of the Musina Show grounds the Department of Home Affairs would like to clarify the following:
In July 2008 the Department of Home Affairs opened a temporary Asylum Seeker Reception Centre on the show grounds in Musina. The purpose of the facility is to process applications for asylum and issue Section 22 permits. Applicants are then required to proceed to a Reception Centre in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth or Durban for an interview. During the interview the applicant’s eligibility for refugee status is determined and a decision issued.
In February 2009 the Joint Organising Committee in Limpopo decided to discontinue all service provision from the Musina Show grounds, and requested that all service providers, including Home Affairs, leave the show grounds and relocate to alternate premises. In line with this decision the Department of Home Affairs is currently in negotiations to use a facility 3km outside Musina.
The Department of Home Affairs will continue to process applications for asylum until an alternate site is secured. The relocation will be managed with minimal disruption to service delivery.
From Monday 02 March, Home Affairs set out to ensure that all persons waiting to apply for asylum received a permit before Friday 06 March 2009. During the week leading to this date 3110 permits were issued. A further 336 permits were issued today (Monday 09 March 2009)
The Department of Home Affairs continues to strive to fulfill its mandate in meeting the needs of those seeking asylum in South Africa, however the provision of shelter, food and other humanitarian services falls outside its mandate. In this regard Home Affairs continues to work with other government departments, non-government organisations and humanitarian agencies in meeting the needs of asylum seekers.
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Released by Chief Directorate: Communication
Enquiries: Ronnie Mamoepa(Head of Communication)-ronnie.mamoepa@dha.gov.za 082 990 4853 | 10/03/2009 |
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