By Mapaballo Borotho
- Home Affairs has launched the first phase of its Digital Asylum System to modernise asylum registration and address longstanding processing delays and backlogs.
- The platform allows individuals to digitally register their intention to seek asylum but does not automatically grant refugee status or legal immigration status.
- The department says future phases will introduce AI tools to improve application processing, reduce backlogs and strengthen immigration controls.
The Department of Home Affairs has launched the first phase of a new Digital Asylum System aimed at reducing lengthy processing delays, addressing decades-old backlogs and strengthening controls against the abuse of South Africa’s asylum system.
The online platform, which is currently being tested, will allow individuals seeking asylum to digitally register their intention to apply by submitting personal information, facial biometrics and supporting documents.
The launch comes amid growing public debate over immigration management and tensions surrounding asylum seekers and undocumented foreign nationals in South Africa.
These tensions intensified last month after the department instructed refugee reception offices across the country to accept asylum applications from undocumented individuals, prompting criticism and protests from groups opposed to illegal migration.
On Tuesday, 10 November 2026, Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber said the new digital platform gives effect to the Constitutional Court judgment of 7 July 2026, which declared key sections of the Refugees Act invalid, while providing a sustainable approach that strengthens national security and protects the department’s capacity.
“The portal enables individuals seeking asylum to record their intention to apply digitally, while requiring them to upload facial biometrics, personal information, and supporting documents.
In the rollout of subsequent phases of the new system, it will incorporate advanced machine learning and AI tools to enable the Department to clear the decades-old asylum appeals backlog and dramatically reduce the time it takes to process new asylum applications and appeals, enabling swift deportation of the 95% of asylum applicants who are routinely rejected,” said Schreiber.
Registering an intention does not grant asylum status
The department has emphasised that registering an intention to apply for asylum does not automatically grant an individual refugee status, asylum or South African citizenship.
At this stage, the platform will only record an individual’s intention to seek asylum. This will also help the department establish anticipated application volumes and plan its resources accordingly.
Schreiber said individuals would still be required to follow the formal asylum application process in accordance with South African law.
“At this stage, individuals will still be required to follow the formal asylum application process in accordance with South African law,” he said.
Understanding the difference: Asylum seekers, refugees and undocumented migrants
Although these terms are often used interchangeably in public discussions about immigration, they have different legal meanings under South African law.
Asylum seeker: A person who has left their country and is seeking international protection in South Africa. They have approached the authorities to request asylum, but their application has not yet been finalised. Their claim must still be assessed to determine whether they qualify for refugee status.
Recognised refugee: A person whose application for asylum has been approved and who has been formally recognised as a refugee under South African law. This recognition affords them specific rights and protections in the country.
Undocumented migrant: A foreign national who does not have the required valid immigration documents or legal permission to remain in South Africa. This may include someone who entered the country unlawfully or whose visa or other immigration permission has expired. However, a person’s lack of documentation does not automatically mean they are ineligible to seek asylum or protection under refugee law.
The distinction is important because seeking asylum is a legal process through which individuals can request protection, while refugee status is granted only after their claims have been assessed.
Registering an intention to apply for asylum through the new digital platform does not, by itself, make someone a recognised refugee or regularise their immigration status.
The department believes the digitalisation of the process will help address delays that have historically affected asylum applications and appeals.
These delays have been attributed to longstanding shortages of funding and personnel.
How does the Digital Asylum System work?
The first phase of the system will operate as follows:
Online registration: Individuals can register their intention to apply for asylum through the MyHomeAffairs online platform by providing personal information and submitting facial biometrics and supporting documents.
Confirmation of intention: Applicants will receive a receipt confirming their declared intention to seek asylum. This receipt does not constitute a formal asylum application or confer any immigration or refugee status.
Assisted registration: Individuals who do not have access to digital devices or the internet can receive assistance at Refugee Reception Offices.
The department has also clarified that registering an intention to apply for asylum does not provide blanket protection against immigration enforcement.
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