Home Affairs names 12 crossings in Beitbridge asylum plan
PRETORIA — Home Affairs has proposed that asylum seekers who entered South Africa through any of 12 border crossings apply in person at a new refugee reception office at Beitbridge. The department also proposes closing the Tshwane Refugee Reception Office. The notices, published on 30 October, are open for public comment until 30 November 2026. The department has yet to announce when the proposed reporting arrangements would take effect.
Who would have to report to Beitbridge?
The crossings named in the proposal are Beitbridge, Derdepoort, Giriyondo, Groblersbrug, Kopfontein, Pafuri, Platjan, Pontdrift, Ramatlabama, Skilpadshek, Stockpoort and Swartkopfontein. The requirement would also cover an asylum seeker who cannot show proof of entering through a different port and whose entry through that port Home Affairs cannot verify in its records. This includes new applicants in that category who already have an appointment through the online system.
For people with an existing claim, the proposal could affect more than the first application. According to reports, the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration said the Beitbridge office could also handle permit renewals, decisions on claims and updates to personal records. The committee said moving services closer to the border would help officials verify identities and process claims. It said affected applicants would receive details about dates, documents and arrangements for the change.
How to comment on the proposed changes
Asylum seekers, refugees and other interested parties can email written comments to Moses.Malakate@dha.gov.za. Submissions should be addressed to the Chief Director of Legal Services, marked for the attention of Advocate Moses Malakate, and must reach Home Affairs by 30 November.
Written comments can also be delivered to the Hallmark Building, 230 Johannes Ramokhoase Street, Pretoria, or posted to the Department of Home Affairs, Private Bag X114, Pretoria, 0001. Enquiries about the proposals can be directed to Advocate Malakate on 012 406 4023 or 012 406 4273.
Anyone with additional information can contact the press desk at press@townpress.co.za or drop a tip.