MORE than 137 500 refugees and asylum seekers are living in Mzansi, putting increasing pressure on a system already battling massive backlogs and growing concerns over illegal migration.
Refugee numbers revealed
New figures from Home Affairs reveal that there are 55 190 recognised refugees and 82 348 active asylum seeker cases in the country.
The numbers come as immigration continues to dominate public debate, with many South Africans calling for tighter border controls and stronger action against illegal migration.
Backlogs continue to grow
Mzansi's asylum system is also facing significant delays.
Home Affairs records show that more than 70 000 cases are currently awaiting decisions before the Refugee Appeals Authority of South Africa (RAASA), while thousands more are before the Standing Committee on Refugee Affairs (SCRA) and the courts.
Over the past year, authorities approved 1 934 asylum applications but rejected 7 392 claims.
Home Affairs spokesman Thulani Mavuso said government's migration strategy is based on enforcing existing laws.
"Government's current approach to managing migration and asylum processes is premised on the full implementation of the Immigration Act of 2002 and the Refugee Act of 1998," said Mavuso.
He said the Immigration Act regulates the admission and departure of foreign nationals and provides for the arrest and deportation of illegal migrants.
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"Illegal migrants get arrested for deportation, hence the existence of the Lindela Repatriation Centre and designated police stations as holding facilities," he said.
Concerns over system abuse
Mavuso also claimed that the refugee system is being exploited by some people seeking economic opportunities rather than protection.
"The Refugee Act is abused by economic migrants who lodge unfounded asylum claims, resulting in low approval rates and higher rejection rates," he said.
According to Home Affairs, almost 90% of refugee and asylum seeker cases originate from 10 countries, including Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Palestine, Burundi, Malawi, Ghana, and the Republic of Congo.
UNHCR raises documentation concerns
While government is concerned about abuse of the system, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said Mzansi continues to play an important role in protecting people fleeing conflict and persecution.
"UNHCR recognises South Africa's longstanding commitment to providing protection to refugees and asylum seekers, reflected in its progressive legal framework," said Duniya, a communications officer for UNHCR South Africa.
The organisation, however, warned that many refugees and asylum seekers struggle to access basic services because of documentation problems.
"Access to documentation and the renewal of documents is one of the major challenges that many refugees and asylum seekers face," the agency said.
UNHCR said delays in permit renewals often prevent refugees from accessing healthcare, education and employment opportunities.
Major changes planned
The growing pressure on the system comes as government prepares major changes through the proposed Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection Bill, which aims to overhaul migration management while safeguarding national sovereignty and public security.
As the debate around immigration heats up, the latest figures paint a picture of a system under strain and a government under pressure to balance humanitarian obligations with growing calls for stricter migration controls.
