Home Affairs Logs 421 Asylum Applications in Window

The department reports 421 asylum applications were lodged at five refugee offices after a September directive, which was later withdrawn.

Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Immigration

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a plain government building facade with an empty flagpole and a long shadow across a bare forecourt. — South African Home Affairs reported 421 asylum applications lodged at five refugee offices between 28 September and 8 October after a directive that was later withdrawn. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Department of Home Affairs revealed that 421 asylum applications were submitted at five refugee offices between 28 September and 8 October 2026, following a directive issued in September. The directive was withdrawn after refugee reception centres struggled to handle the turnout.

Why it matters

The directive was intended to give effect to a Constitutional Court order that asylum seekers could not be excluded from applying on procedural grounds. The withdrawal and the surge at reception centres highlight the operational strain on South Africa's asylum system.

Of the 421 applications, 175 were lodged in Tshwane, 108 in Cape Town, 58 in Durban, 42 in Gqeberha and 38 in Musina, with 139 from Ethiopian nationals. It remains unclear how the applications will be processed following the withdrawal of the directive.

The players

Leon Schreiber

Leon Schreiber is South Africa's Minister of Home Affairs, responsible for the department overseeing refugee and asylum processes.

The details

The directive allowed asylum seekers to submit applications, but was withdrawn after reception centres struggled to cope. The department has since launched an electronic booking system allowing applicants to upload personal data and refugee centres to schedule applications, using existing digital infrastructure to limit costs.

September 2026: Directive issued allowing asylum applications.
28 September to 8 October 2026: Window in which 421 applications were submitted.
Shortly after withdrawal: just over 100 applications were submitted in a 10-day period.
November 2026: Electronic booking system launched this week.

Legal Context

The directive was issued to comply with a Constitutional Court order barring the exclusion of asylum seekers from applying on procedural grounds. Its rapid withdrawal shows the tension between constitutional obligations and the administrative capacity of refugee reception centres.

Asylum seekers in South Africa must now use the electronic booking system to schedule applications at refugee centres. Applicants should expect scheduling through the new system rather than walking in directly.

The takeaway

The sharp rise in applications after a directive, followed by its withdrawal, shows how quickly policy changes can strain systems meant to serve asylum seekers. Applicants should check the booking system before travelling to a refugee office.