South Africa Sets Plan for Border Refugee Centres

South Africa’s government says it intends to relocate refugee reception centres closer to the country’s border entry points as part of efforts to improve the management of asylum applications and migration processes.

The proposal was announced by Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber, who said the move would help authorities process asylum claims more efficiently while reducing pressure on urban centres where many asylum seekers currently seek services.

According to the Department of Home Affairs, the planned centres will allow officials to register, screen and process applicants closer to their point of entry into the country. The government argues that the system will strengthen migration management and improve oversight of asylum procedures.

South Africa hosts one of the largest populations of asylum seekers and refugees on the continent. The country’s asylum system has faced challenges in recent years, including application backlogs, legal disputes and concerns over the capacity of existing reception offices.

Schreiber said the proposed reforms form part of broader efforts to modernise immigration administration and ensure that refugee protection measures operate in line with national laws and international obligations.

Human rights organisations and refugee advocacy groups have previously expressed concerns about access to asylum services and the treatment of migrants under proposed policy changes. The government has maintained that reforms are intended to improve efficiency while preserving legal protections for those seeking refuge.

Authorities have not announced when the relocation of the refugee reception centres will begin or how many facilities will be established at border entry points.

SOURCE: AP