Schreiber says SA’s asylum system remains highly restrictive

Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber says South Africa’s asylum system remains highly restrictive , with the department rejecting approximately 95% of asylum applications after assessing them on their merits.

Schreiber says access to the refugee application process does not guarantee asylum status, despite public concerns following a Constitutional Court ruling.

He spoke to SABC News this morning after the Home Affairs Department withdrew a directive that had expanded access to asylum application processes following the ruling.

He says the department retains the authority and responsibility to assess claims and reject applications it finds to be unfounded.

“Home Affairs, on average, rejects 95 percent of these types of applications that it receives because they are unfounded.

And that power remains, that responsibility remains to assess the veracity of these particular claims or applications.” Video: Migration Crisis | DHA Minister Dr Leon Schreiber on withdrawn asylum directive