Home Affairs in Durban.
JOHANNEBSURG - The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) is expected to convene what it calls an urgent meeting following the Constitutional Court ruling on the processing of asylum applications.
Deputy government spokesperson, William Baloyi said the meeting held this Wednesday evening includes legal experts and key stakeholders to carefully consider the implications of the judgment and to identify a lawful, practical and sustainable way forward.
In July, the apex court ruled that parts of the Refugee Act were unconstitutional and invalid.
It found that any person seeking asylum cannot be denied access to the system for failing to provide the required documents or to report to a refugee reception office within the stipulated five-day window.
READ | Constitutional Court finds parts of Refugee Act unconstitutional
Baloyi said they are fully aware of the matter and are treating it with urgency.
“IMC on Migration is acutely aware of the uncertainty, concern, panic and confusion that have arisen following the recent Constitutional Court judgment concerning asylum seekers and the impugned provisions of the Refugees Act...
“South Africans should be assured that government remains committed to maintaining the integrity of our migration system, upholding the rule of law and safeguarding national interest,” he added.
Earlier in the day, a protest was held outside Home Affairs’ Refugee Reception Centre in Durban.
Protesters demanded an end to asylum applications being processed at the facility.
They wanted the centre to stop accepting and processing asylum claims for foreign nationals.