Home Affairs Launches Online Asylum Registration System In South Africa

The Department of Home Affairs has launched the first phase of a new digital asylum system, allowing people seeking protection in South Africa to register their intention to apply for asylum online.

The portal is currently undergoing testing and is expected to open for public registrations after the department's next scheduled software release this weekend.

The platform allows prospective applicants to submit personal details, facial biometrics and supporting documents electronically.

Home Affairs said the initial phase would help the department assess demand and plan resources before introducing the remaining features of the broader Digital Asylum System.

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However, the current registration process only records an individual's intention to apply for asylum. It does not amount to a formal application or grant the applicant any legal status.

"Registering an intention to apply for asylum does not confer any status on an applicant and does not constitute a formal asylum application, nor does it automatically grant asylum, refugee status or South African citizenship to anyone," the department said.

Applicants will still be required to complete the formal asylum process in accordance with South African law.

AI And Biometric Technology To Help Reduce Asylum Backlogs

Future phases of the digital system are expected to introduce machine learning and artificial intelligence tools to help process asylum applications and appeals more efficiently.

The department said the technology would support efforts to address longstanding backlogs and improve the processing of applications.

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The new platform also follows a Constitutional Court judgment in July, which found certain procedural barriers faced by asylum seekers to be unconstitutional.

The digital asylum project forms part of Home Affairs' wider modernisation programme, which includes the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system aimed at strengthening immigration controls and reducing fraud.

Leon Schreiber Explains Digital Asylum System Plans

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber said lengthy delays in processing asylum applications and appeals had contributed to the abuse of the system.

"The central problem we are working to solve is the inordinate delays traditionally associated with the asylum application and appeals processes," Schreiber said.

"Opportunistic applicants have long abused the length of time it takes to finalise these applications."

Schreiber said staffing shortages had contributed to the backlog. When the current administration took office, only nine officials were reportedly responsible for handling thousands of outstanding appeals.

He said the department intended to use biometric technology, machine learning and artificial intelligence to address capacity constraints and reduce processing times.

Further phases of the digital asylum system are expected to be introduced over the coming months.