South Africa plans new asylum registration model by November 10

South Africa's Department of Home Affairs plans to phase in registration of an intention to seek asylum and an appointment system by November 10, 2026. Minister Leon Schreiber outlined the plan at a briefing in Pretoria on October 11.

Schreiber said the platform would verify applicants' biometric information, their previous application history and the authenticity of uploaded passports or travel documents. The department aims to identify repeat applications following final rejection and prevent abuse.

The government's published outline provides for an online registration receipt and an appointment at a refugee reception office. Assistance is promised for people unable to complete registration themselves, including those without devices or documents.

Authorities emphasise that the receipt records an intention to seek asylum, rather than granting a visa or recognising refugee status. A different position applies to people whose earlier claims were finally rejected. The government said new claims of a risk of persecution or serious harm should be referred for legal advice before removal.