An asylum seeker is a person seeking international protection whose claim has not yet been finally decided. In South Africa, asylum-seeker documentation and recognised-refugee documentation have different legal purposes.
The Department of Home Affairs offers online extensions for qualifying asylum-seeker and refugee documents. Use current renewal guidance and your document’s expiry date rather than population estimates or old blanket extensions.
The asylum-appeal backlog project and document renewal are separate processes. An extension request does not itself decide an asylum claim or grant refugee status.
The online extension service began in April 2021. The June 2021 pandemic renewal deadline was historical; it is not a current deadline for every applicant. Follow the expiry date and current DHA instructions applicable to your case.
This article will discuss everything you need to know about this new development and how to proceed.
What this means for asylum seekers
- Online submission can reduce visits, but processing times vary and renewal does not guarantee elimination of the asylum backlog.
- The service was introduced during COVID-19 restrictions and can improve remote access; some cases still require an in-person appointment.
- Recognition as a refugee requires a separate asylum decision; renewal alone does not confer that status.
- Work and study rights depend on the applicable law and permit conditions. Renewal does not guarantee employment or a reduction in crime.
- Asylum seekers have constitutional rights, but some rights and benefits are reserved for citizens or depend on legal eligibility.
- Efficient and fair administration is an aim of the system; a renewal request does not guarantee wider political outcomes.
- Documentation can support access to services and participation in society, subject to the applicable law.
Requirements for an online extension
- Use an email account you can access for replies. Each family member’s application must be sent in a separate message.
- Attach the completed extension request form with the details and signature required by DHA.
- Attach a scan of the existing or expired document; if lost, attach an affidavit identifying the missing document and previous permit number.
- Submit an affidavit confirming your physical address or a utility bill that shows proof of your physical address.
Note
All asylum seekers have to submit individual applications even if the entire family is applying. You are required to sign the extension request for minors if you are the principal applicant. Their extension request must carry the same signature as their lost or expired permits.
Where to request an asylum seeker visa extension
Follow the current UNHCR renewal guide for the DHA submission address and required documents. Use only your permit/file number in capital letters in the subject line. The office-specific addresses below are historical contacts and should be confirmed before use.
Cape Town Refugee Reception Office
- Historical contact, confirm in current DHA guidance: Refugee visa extensions: CTrrc.extension24@dha.gov.za
- Historical contact, confirm in current DHA guidance: Asylum seeker visa extension: CTrrc.Extension22@dha.gov.za
Durban Refugee Reception Office:
- Historical contact, confirm in current DHA guidance: Refugee visa extensions: DurbanRRC.Extension24@dha.gov.za
- Historical contact, confirm in current DHA guidance: Asylum seeker visa extension: DurbanRRC.Extension22@dha.gov.za
Musina Refugee Reception Office:
- Historical contact, confirm in current DHA guidance: Refugee visa extensions: MusinaRRC.Extension24@dha.gov.za
- Historical contact, confirm in current DHA guidance: Asylum seeker visa extension: Musinarrc.Extension22@dha.gov.za
Desmond Tutu Refugee Reception Office:
- Historical contact, confirm in current DHA guidance: Refugee visa extensions: DTRRC.Extension24@dha.gov.za
- Historical contact, confirm in current DHA guidance: Asylum seeker visa extension: DTRRC.Extension22@dha.gov.za
Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) Refugee Reception Office
- Historical contact, confirm in current DHA guidance: Refugee visa extensions: PERRC.Extension24@dha.gov.za
- Historical contact, confirm in current DHA guidance: Asylum seeker visa extension: PERRC.Extension22@dha.gov.za
Note
There are cases where the DHA cannot process asylum seekers’ extension requests online. The Department of Home Affairs requires requesters not to be alarmed. The requester will receive a letter indicating they must show up in person at the Refugee reception office. The letter will have the exact date and time of their appointment. It will also include the name of the specific refugee reception office.
Also Read: How to Claim From the Road Accident Fund in South Africa
How to verify the validity of an online visa
Use the verification address printed on the permit issued by DHA. Confirm any old office-specific address below against that document or current DHA guidance before sending personal information.
Desmond Tutu
Email: ASMverifications@dha.gov.za
Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) Perro
Email: verification.perro@dha.gov.za
Durban RRO
Email: verification.durban@dha.gov.za
Cape Town RRO
Email: verification.ctrro@dha.gov.za
Musina RRO
Email: verification.musina@dha.gov.za
