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HOME AFFAIRS UNDER FIRE! WHERE ARE SOUTH AFRICA’S REJECTED ASYLUM SEEKERS?
South Africa's immigration enforcement system faces serious questions following chaotic scenes outside refugee reception offices, the withdrawal of a Home Affairs directive and renewed debate over how asylum applications should be processed.
In interviews recorded at the Marabastad Home Affairs office in Pretoria, foreign nationals described years of waiting, repeated rejection of applications and difficulties obtaining documentation. Some said they had spent several days queuing without receiving assistance.
On 9 October 2026, the Department of Home Affairs withdrew its 28 September operational directive after refugee reception offices became overwhelmed. The department said it would reconsider how to implement the Constitutional Court's 7 July 2026 judgment.
But an even bigger accountability question remains: What happens when an asylum application is finally rejected?
Can Home Affairs trace the applicant? Are appeals and final decisions properly recorded? Where deportation is lawful, is it carried out? How many people remain in the country after their legal right to stay has ended? And does the department have enough immigration officers, reliable records and operational capacity to enforce the law?
This Mzansi Citizen investigation examines the consequences of weak immigration administration for public confidence, border management, community safety and already pressured public services.
We also examine the need for stronger identity verification, biometric records, lawful case tracking, properly funded immigration enforcement and effective cooperation between Home Affairs, SAPS, the courts and other relevant agencies.
THE QUESTIONS HOME AFFAIRS MUST ANSWER
• How many asylum applications are pending, approved, rejected or under appeal?
• How many people with final, enforceable removal decisions remain unaccounted for?
• How many deportation orders have been executed, and how many remain outstanding?
• How does Home Affairs trace individuals who fail to report after their applications are rejected?
• How many immigration enforcement officers are available, and what additional resources are required?
• How are children, births, family relationships and changes in immigration status recorded lawfully?
• What practical arrangements will ensure that asylum applications are assessed fairly without overwhelming reception offices or compromising public safety?
South Africans deserve an immigration system that protects the country's sovereignty, applies the law consistently, safeguards public resources and holds officials accountable for administrative failures.
At the same time, asylum seekers must be assessed according to the law. Applying for asylum does not automatically confer refugee status, permanent residence or citizenship. A rejected application must also be distinguished from a final decision after any applicable appeal or review process.
We support lawful enforcement, transparent government, accountable administration and safer communities—not collective blame, violence or unverified accusations against people based on nationality.
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