Article Posted: 3 March 2022
Dr Pakishe Aaron Motsoaledi, the Minister of Home Affairs, has issued a notice regarding the validity of expired Asylum seeker permits and refugee status validity. Amendments have been made to the previous directive.
Amendment of paragraphs 12.3, 19, 20 and 21.1 of the Directions
2.1 Paragraphs 12.3, 19, 20 and 21.1 of the Directions are hereby amended by the substitution for the date 31 December 2021 referred to in these paragraphs, of the date 30 April 2022, as the date until which the validity of asylum seeker permits and refugee status is extended.
2.2 The extension of the validity of visas or permits referred to in paragraph 2.1 applies to holders of asylum seeker permits and refugee status which expired during the period of the national state of disaster.
2.3 A holder of an asylum seeker permit or refugee status must adhere to the terms and conditions of his or her visa and any activity not endorsed onto such visa or permit is prohibited.
Substitution of paragraph 17H of the Directions
3. The following paragraph is hereby substituted for paragraph 17H of the Directions:
17H. SERVICES TO BE RENDERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HOME AFFAIRS
17H. The following services will be rendered by the Department of Home Affairs during Alert Level 1 of the period of the national state of disaster:
(a) Births registration ;
(b) late registration of birth;
(c) re-issuance of birth, marriage and death certificates;
(d) applications for unabridged birth, marriage and deaths certificates, including vault copies;
(e) deaths registration;
(f) applications for temporary identity certificates;
(g) applications for and collection of identity cards or documents;
(h) applications for and collection of passports;
(I) solemnisation and registration of marriages;
(j) applications for citizenship;
(k) applications for retention and renunciation of citizenship;
(I) applications for rectification and amendment of personal particulars;
(m) applications for travel documents for persons who are to take up employment or studies abroad, attend funerals or other emergency situations, on submission of proof, therefore;
(n) all Back Office operational services to support front Offices regarding the above services;
(o) visa services in terms of the Immigration Act; and
(p) online renewal of refugee status and asylum seeker permits/visas.
To read the full directive, visit the Gazzette