UN donates R140m to ease SA asylum backlog
The United Nations'
Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has made more than R140 million available to South
Africa to clear its asylum seeker backlog.
This was announced by the Minister of Home Affairs Aaron Motsoaledi at the launch of the asylum backlog project on Monday morning.
The minister revealed it would take years to clear the over 150 000 asylum seekers backlog if no interventions are made.
"This money will help us employ 86 extra refugees appeals authority members, who would be appointed and trained over the next few months,” he said.
"A portion of the money has been set aside to acquire IT tools that the team would need to complete the task.”
The minister pointed out that his department would also offer administrative support to the Refugee Appeals Authority of South Africa.
This is to ensure that cases of asylum seekers are properly investigated.
Last week, the minister launched a ministerial task team to investigate the issuing of visa and permits in the country since 2004.
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Motsoaledi said the Refugee Appeals Authority of South Africa has less than 20 staff members.
He added that the increase of an extra 86 staff members would have a significant role in fast-tracking the asylum-seeking process.
