The Department of Home Affairs has launched the first phase of its digital asylum registration system. Public access is expected after a scheduled software update this weekend.
The department announced the launch in a statement on Tuesday, 10 November. The platform is currently handling an initial batch of test cases.
It will allow people seeking asylum in South Africa to register their intention to apply online.
Applicants must submit their personal details, facial biometric data and supporting documents through the department’s MyHomeAffairsOnline portal.
The system will issue a receipt confirming the applicant’s declared intention to seek asylum. However, the receipt does not amount to a formal asylum application or grant refugee status or citizenship.
Applicants must still follow the formal asylum process under South African law, Home Affairs said.
People without internet access or digital devices can seek help at Refugee Reception Offices.
Further phases planned
Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber said digital registration could help address long-standing delays and abuse of the asylum system.
“The central problem we are working to solve is the inordinate delays traditionally associated with the asylum application and appeals processes,” Schreiber said.
He blamed years of insufficient funding and staff shortages for the delays. At the start of the current administration, only nine officials handled thousands of outstanding appeals, he said.
The department plans to introduce further features in stages. These include appointment scheduling, additional biometric checks and verification against existing Home Affairs records.
It also plans to use artificial intelligence and machine learning to help process asylum applications and appeals.
Schreiber said the department would roll out the next phases over the coming months. The aim is to reduce the time officials take to decide applications and appeals.
Registration does not guarantee protection
The department said registering an intention to seek asylum does not provide blanket protection against immigration enforcement.
It added that authorities would continue deportations in accordance with the law.
The rollout follows a Constitutional Court judgment handed down on 7 July 2026. The judgment declared certain provisions of the Refugees Act 130 of 1998 unconstitutional and invalid.
Home Affairs said the digital platform would support the implementation of the judgment. It would also strengthen identity checks and improve the administration of asylum applications.
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