REFUGEE RIGHTS

INFORMATION BOOKLET
Information for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Cape Town

Refugee Rights Project

UCT Law Clinic
University of Cape Town
Fourth Level, Kramer Law School Building
1 Stanley Road, Rondebosch 7701
Phone: (021) 650 3775
Fax: (021) 650 5665
Email: uctlawclinic@uct.ac.za
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE

REFUGEE PROTECTION – THE LAW IN SOUTH AFRICA 1

REFUGEE RIGHTS IN SOUTH AFRICA 2

ASYLUM SEEKER RIGHTS IN SOUTH AFRICA 2

HOW TO APPLY FOR ASYLUM IN SOUTH AFRICA 3

IMPORTANT POINTS TO KNOW ABOUT THE

ASYLUM PROCESS AND YOUR RIGHTS 4

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU HAVE BEEN

GRANTED REFUGEE STATUS? 5

HOW CAN YOU GET A REFUGEE IDENTITY

DOCUMENT OR A TRAVEL DOCUMENT? 5

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOUR APPLICATION FOR

ASYLUM HAS BEEN REJECTED? 6

HOW CAN YOUR REFUGEE STATUS BE WITHDRAWN? 6

DO YOU NEED EDUCATION & SKILLS TRAINING? 7

DO YOU NEED WELFARE AND ACCOMODATION HELP? 8

DO YOU NEED LEGAL ADVICE? 9

DO YOU NEED FINANCIAL SERVICES? 10

DO YOU NEED TO SEE A DOCTOR? 11

DO YOU NEED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELLING? 12

HIV/AIDS INFORMATION 13

PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOR REFUGEE AND

ASYLUM SEEKER CHILDREN 14

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION 15

HOUSING INFORMATION 16

WHAT IS VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION? 17

WHAT IS FAMILY REUNIFICATION? 18

HAVE YOUR RIGHTS BEEN VIOLATED?

DO YOU HAVE ANY COMPLAINTS? 19
REFUGEE PROTECTION – THE LAW IN SOUTH AFRICA

 In 1996, South Africa committed itself to the protection of refugees by

signing the 1951 United Nations Refugee Convention as well as the 1969
Organization of African Unity Refugee Convention.
 In 2000, South Africa’s Refugees Act 130 of 1998 came into operation.
 The Refugees Act defines refugee as a person:
i. who is outside their home country and who has a well-founded fear of
being persecuted on account of his/her race, religion, nationality, political
opinion or membership in a particular social group; OR
ii. who is outside their home country and whose life, physical safety or
freedom is threatened on account of external aggression, occupation,
foreign domination or other events seriously disturbing or disrupting public
order in either part or the whole of that country.
 The first category is based on the definition of refugee found in the 1951
UN Convention on Refugees and the second category is based on the
definition of refugee found in the 1969 OAU Refugee Convention.
 Persecution is when someone’s civil, political or human rights are violated
to the extent that the person must flee from his/her home. Persecution
does not include violation of one’s socio-economic rights. Severe
discrimination that threatens a person’s survival may also be considered
persecution.
 Refugees are given special status in South Africa to remain in the country
until it is safe to return to their home countries.
 Asylum Seekers are people who have made an application for refugee
status in South Africa and whose claims have not yet been finalized by the
Department of Home Affairs.
 According to the Refugees Act, no person can be denied the opportunity
to apply for asylum. Asylum seekers are allowed to stay in South Africa
until a final decision has been made on their application.
 The Department of Home Affairs issues various types of permits. You
cannot apply for refugee status if you have come to South Africa to search
for a job, seek further education, visit family/friends or start a business in
South Africa. Instead you should apply for a work permit or a study permit
or a visitor’s visa.
 You are excluded from refugee status if you have committed a crime
against humanity, a war crime or a crime against peace.
 You are excluded from refugee status if you committed a serious non-
political crime outside South Africa, which if committed in South Africa
would be punishable by imprisonment.
 You are excluded from refugee status if you are currently enjoying the
protection of another country, meaning that if you have already received
refugee status in another country.
 You can lose your refugee status if you voluntarily obtain the protection or
nationality of your country of origin or of a new country, or if you voluntarily
return to the country which you fled from and take up residence there with
the intention of settling permanently.
 You can also lose your refugee status due to involuntary acts such as
when there is no longer a threat in your country of origin or if you take on
the protection of your country because circumstances in your country have
changed.

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REFUGEE RIGHTS IN SOUTH AFRICA
Refugees in South Africa have the following rights:
 The right to a formal recognition of refugee status in the prescribed form (Form
BI-1693 i.e. Section 24 Permit).
 Full legal protection, which includes the rights set out in Chapter 2 (Bill of
Rights*) of the South African Constitution and the right to remain in South
Africa, subject to the provisions of the Refugees Act.
 The right to acquire property, and enter into leases and other contracts.
 The right to take up employment or be self-employed in the profession of their
choice.
 The right to primary education. Refugee children may study at South African
public schools and refugee parents may qualify for school fees exemptions for
their children.
 The right to access secondary and tertiary education.
 The right to have access to primary and emergency health care and referrals
for further medical treatment.
 The right to a refugee identity document, as referred to in section 30 of the
Refugees Act.
 The right to a travel document, as referred to in section 31 of the Refugees Act.
 The right to apply for permanent residence, after five years of continuous
residence in South Africa from the date on which he or she was granted
asylum, if the Standing Committee certifies that he or she will remain a refugee
indefinitely.
In return, refugees must respect the rights of others and follow the laws and
regulations of South Africa.

ASYLUM SEEKER RIGHTS IN SOUTH AFRICA

 Asylum Seekers in South Africa are protected by the Bill of Rights* enshrined in
the South African Constitution.
 Asylum Seekers have the right to remain in South Africa, subject to the
provisions of the Refugees Act. This means that they have the right not to be
deported from South Africa before their asylum application is finalized.
 Asylum Seekers are entitled to a fair process in the adjudication of their asylum
application.
 Asylum Seekers, while awaiting the determination of their asylum application,
may study and take up employment in South Africa.
 Asylum Seekers have the right to basic health care and emergency health care.
 Asylum Seekers have the right to primary education. Asylum seeker children
may study at South African public schools and asylum seekers may qualify for
school fees exemptions for their children.
 Asylum Seekers have the right to access secondary and tertiary education.
 Asylum Seekers may not apply for refugee identity books or travel documents.
In return, asylum seekers must respect the rights of others and follow the laws and
regulations of South Africa.

*Bill of Rights (Chapter 2) of Constitution

Protection provided under Chapter 2 of the Constitution of South Africa of 1996 means
the right to human dignity, the right to life, freedom and security of the person,
freedom of religion, belief and opinion, freedom of expression, freedom of movement
and residence, freedom from arbitrary arrest and detention, freedom from torture,
protection from abusive use of state power or authority, the right to be considered as a
person in front of the law and to have access to courts of law.
2
HOW TO APPLY FOR ASYLUM IN SOUTH AFRICA

 The application for asylum must be made as soon as possible after

entering into South Africa.
 You must make your application for asylum in person at a Refugee
Reception Office with a Refugee Reception Officer (RRO).
 A child’s asylum application is normally included in the application of the
child’s parent, grandparent or legal guardian.
 A spouse’s application is also normally included in the primary applicant’s
application.
 To apply for asylum, you must fill out an Eligibility Determination Form
(Form BI-1590) in duplicate. The RRO must help you fill out this form. This
stage of the asylum application is referred to as the “first interview.”
 Some of the questions that you must respond to at this stage include: your
name, nationality, ethnic group, religion, family members, education and
work experience, why you left your home country, whether you were
politically active or were in the military in your home country and the
current situation in your country.
 It is important to be truthful when answering these questions because the
answers that you provide will be used to determine whether you qualify for
refugee status in South Africa. Home Affairs will refer back to this first
interview when making a determination on your refugee claim and might
refuse your application if you have been inconsistent in your answers
throughout the entire asylum application process.
 You have the right to have your answers on the application form read back
to you by the RRO. If you would like to make any changes in your
answers, ask the RRO to make the changes in writing before you sign the
application form. While the RRO must do his/her best to provide you with
a competent interpreter at this stage, you may also bring your own
interpreter to assist you, at your own cost.
 It is important that you bring to the interview any original documents or
evidence that verifies who you are, where you are from, and why you are
claiming refugee status. Home Affairs will only keep copies of these
documents.
 Upon completing your application form, the RRO must provide you with an
asylum seeker permit (Section 22 permit). This permit legalizes your stay
in South Africa until a final decision is made on your refugee claim.
 You will be fingerprinted and photographed for the asylum seeker permit.
The permit does not recognize you as a refugee yet. The permit is valid for
only a limited period and should be renewed in time.
 According to the Refugees Act, within 30 working days after your
application, you will be invited for a status determination interview with a
Refugee Status Determination Officer (RSDO). You are allowed to bring
legal counsel or a representative to this interview to assist you. The RSDO
must explain the procedure to you and make sure that you understand
your rights and obligations. While the RSDO must do his/her best to
provide you with a competent interpreter at this interview, you may also
bring your own interpreter to assist you, at your own cost.
 According to the Refugees Act, the asylum process should be completed
within 180 days. However, due to a backlog of applications at the
Department of Home Affairs, there are currently serious delays in the
process. This means that asylum seekers must sometimes wait several
years before they get refugee status in South Africa. It is required that you
remain as patient as possible as Home Affairs is attempting to resolve this
backlog problem. You can also contact a legal counsellor for assistance.
3
IMPORTANT POINTS TO KNOW ABOUT THE ASYLUM PROCESS
AND YOUR RIGHTS

 There is no fee payable for eligibility interviews or for the issuing or

renewing of asylum seeker or refugee permits at the Refugee Reception
Office. If you are requested to pay for any of these services, you have
the right to refuse the request and you should report the matter to a
higher government official, the UNHCR, or an NGO.
 There is a R115 application fee for a UNCTD (United Nations
Convention Travel Document, otherwise known as a Refugee Passport).
 The information that you provide for your asylum application is strictly
confidential and will not be shared with anyone, including the
government of your home country.
 If you travel to your home country while your Section 22 asylum seeker
permit is still valid and then you return to South Africa, you may cease to
be considered a refugee because you re-availed yourself of the
protection of your home country.
 At all stages of the asylum procedure, the RRO must do his/her best to
provide you with a competent interpreter. If this is not possible, you are
allowed to bring your own interpreter to assist you, at your own costs.
 You must ensure that your Section 22 permit remains valid at all times
and carry it with you wherever you go. You may be arrested if you do not
have a valid permit on you.
 You must apply for renewal of your Section 22 permit in person at the
Refugee Reception Office before it expires, as your permit is NOT
renewed automatically.
 A good idea is to make copies of your permit and try to remember the
case number (i.e. CTR/000###/04) of your permit.
 If you lose your permit, you should report the loss to the nearest police
station and get a statement from the police. You should bring the police
statement with a copy of your permit (if you have a copy) and the RRO
will issue you with a new permit.
 With your asylum seeker permit, you are allowed to move freely around
the country and you can live wherever you want in South Africa. It is
advisable, however, to try to stick with the same Refugee Reception
Office throughout the asylum determination process, as this reduces the
possibility of Home Affairs losing your file or a delay due to the change of
offices. However, you have the right to renew your permit at the closest
Refugee Reception Office to you.
 Asylum applications which are found to be abusive or fraudulent,
including those submitted by economic migrants, are processed through
a fast-track procedure for manifestly unfounded claims with no right to
appeal, which may result in deportation from South Africa.
 You cannot apply for an identification document, travel document or
permanent residence as an asylum seeker.
 Note: You should not apply for a passport from your home country’s embassy
while in South Africa as an asylum seeker or refugee, since this may affect
your asylum application or your refugee status.

4
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU HAVE BEEN GRANTED REFUGEE
STATUS?

If your asylum claim is accepted you will receive or can apply for the following:

I. Status Document
 You will receive a formal written recognition of refugee status (Form
BI-1693) from the Department of Home Affairs, also known as a section
24 document.

II. Refugee Identity Document

 Upon receiving your status document, you should immediately apply for
a refugee identity document at the Refugee Reception Office.
 The refugee identity document will be valid for the duration period of your
refugee status i.e. 2 years and it may be renewed. You must apply for
renewal of this document in person at the Refugee Reception Office prior to
the expiry of the document. Home Affairs may not withdraw your refugee
status and replace it with a Section 22 Asylum Seeker permit when it expires.
 The refugee identity document means that you do not need to carry around
your status paper.
 Most banks will allow you to open up a bank account with a refugee identity
document.

III. UNCTD (Refugee Passport)

 Once you receive your refugee ID book, you may apply for a United
Nations Convention Travel Document (UNCTD), also at the Refugee
Reception Office. This is a United Nations Travel Document that is
issued by the South African government specifically for refugees.
 The UNCTD allows you to travel outside of South Africa.
 There is a fee of approximately R115 for this passport.
 The UNCTD does not allow you to travel to your home country, where you
suffered persecution. The UNCTD allows you to travel to any other country,
subject to the visa requirements of that country.
 Note: You should not apply for a passport from your home country’s embassy
while in South Africa as a refugee, since this may affect your refugee status.

IV. Permanent Residence

 After 5 years of continuous residence in South Africa as a recognized
refugee, you may apply for permanent residence in South Africa, if the
Standing Committee certifies that you will remain a refugee indefinitely.
 In order to apply for permanent residence, you must write a letter to the
Standing Committee motivating your request based on the fact that you
believe you will remain a refugee indefinitely due to the present
conditions in your home country. You should address the letter to the
Standing Committee for Refugee Affairs c/o The Refugee Reception
Office Cape Town. If you need assistance preparing this letter, please
contact a refugee legal counsellor.

5
 WHAT HAPPENS IF YOUR APPLICATION FOR ASYLUM HAS
BEEN REJECTED?

 You will be given a written decision stating the reasons why your
application has been rejected.
 You have the right to appeal the decision within 30 days of the date you
received the rejection letter. Seek advice from a legal counsellor about
your appeal.
 You must initiate your appeal in person at the Refugee Reception Office.
 You may have legal representation, at your own costs, at your appeal.
 The Appeal will be in front of the Refugee Appeal Board, which is an
independent tribunal that offers rejected asylum seekers a second
chance to prove their refugee claim. The appeal is an oral hearing where
you will be given the opportunity to present your case and reasons for
applying for asylum.
 Normally, within 90 days of your appeal, you will receive the decision of
the appeal. If you have not received the decision within 90 days, contact
your legal counsellor to follow up.
 If your appeal has been accepted, then you will be issued with a formal
recognition of your refugee status (Form B1-1693) by the Department of
Home Affairs.
 If your appeal has been rejected, you do not have any right to further
appeal and you will be given the opportunity to leave South Africa on
your own before your section 22 asylum seeker permit expires. If your
section 22 permit expires and you are found in South Africa, you may be
arrested and deported to your home country.
 Your appeal rejection may be reviewed by the High Court if the decision
of the Appeal Board was reached improperly. This is not a review on the
merits of your refugee claim; rather it is a review on “how” the Appeal
Board made its decision. If the Court finds that the Appeal Board
reached its decision incorrectly, the Court may send the matter back to
the Appeal Board for a new appeal hearing. Please contact a legal
counsellor if you wish to discuss whether your appeal rejection is
reviewable.

HOW CAN YOUR REFUGEE STATUS BE WITHDRAWN?

 Your refugee status may be withdrawn by the Standing Committee for

Refugee Affairs (SC) if your application was granted upon false
information or due to fraud or forgery.
 Your refugee status may be withdrawn if the circumstances or reasons
why you were granted asylum cease to exist and no other circumstances
have occurred which may give good reason for your refugee status to
continue.
 Your refugee status may be withdrawn if you voluntarily re-avail yourself
of the protection of your home country.
 The SC must inform you of its intention to withdraw your status and the
reasons for the withdrawal.
 You have the right to make a written submission regarding the
withdrawal of your refugee status to the SC within 30 days of receipt of
this notice. If you need assistance with this, please contact a legal
counsellor.

6
 DO YOU NEED EDUCATION &
SKILLS TRAINING?
There are many organizations in Cape Town that assist
refugees and asylum seekers with language training and
other skills training to help them better integrate into South
African society and provide them with the skills necessary
to find work and support themselves and their families in
South Africa.

ARESTA [Agency for Refugee Education, Skills Training &

Advocacy]
Physical Address: Administrative Office & ARESTA Training Centre located at the Early
Learning Centre, Springbok Road (corner Klipfontein), Athlone
Telephone: (021) 633 8762
Services: ARESTA provides refugees with the skills needed for them to integrate into life in
South Africa, and ARESTA lobbies for refugees’ rights at various levels.
-Information Workshop: *Every Friday at 14h00* at ARESTA’s Training Centre in Athlone,
asylum seekers and refugees who are interested in joining one of ARESTA’s programmes
should attend this important information session.
-ARESTA’s programmes include English Language Training, Sewing Project, Vocational Skills
Training, Business Programme and Business Mentorship, Product Development,
Psychosocial Support Groups, Advocacy Project, Volunteer Project, Career/Educational
Counselling, Information & Research.
-*Every Wednesday at 13h00 at ARESTA’s Training Centre, there is an English lessons
referral session to assist new learners.

Shane Global Language Centres

Physical Address: Moorings No. 5, Portwood Business Park, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Telephone: (021) 419 8524
Services: Free English Classes for refugees and asylum seekers with valid permits. Most
courses are very intensive, every day for two to four weeks. Next available courses: October
9, 2006: 4 weeks - Mon – Fri (09h30 - 16h00); November 13, 2006: 4 weeks - Mon – Fri
(09h30 - 16h00). Instruction begins on the second day of the course. There is no need for
referrals to these courses, but it is necessary to attend from the first day of instruction. Please
contact school for additional course dates and details.

St. Joseph’s College/Adult Education Program

Physical Address: 21 Belmont Road, Rondebosch
Telephone: (021) 685 1257
Email: LAC1@global.co.za; KAJL@global.co.za
Services: Language: Free literacy classes (in English, Afrikaans, and Xhosa) Saturday
mornings between 09h00-12h00 for refugees and asylum seekers; free childcare facilities for
learning students on Saturdays.
-Skills Training: Courses in sewing, photography, business skills, computer skills, alternative
health skills.
-Some bursaries (for the skills training courses) are available for refugees and asylum seekers
that are continuous learners at the college.

Scalabrini Refugee Service

Physical Address: 47 Commercial Street, Cape Town
Telephone: (021) 465 6433
Services: English Classes at various levels ranging from basic to advanced for refugees and asylum
seekers at the Woodstock location – Monday 14h30, Tuesday 09h00, Wednesday 14h30, Thursdays
09h00, 10h30 and 14h30. Class times may change. Please contact Scalabrini to confirm.
-Newcomers should attend on Friday at 10h00 for initial language assessment.
-Skills training: computers class – daily at the Cape Town branch (47 Commercial Street). Please contact them to
discuss the costs and times. Computers are available for use at the Woodstock location. Sewing classes and
communication classes are presently discontinued.

7
 DO YOU NEED WELFARE AND
ACCOMODATION HELP?
The South African government does not provide material
assistance to refugees and asylum seekers who are unable
to support themselves. However, there are a number of
organizations in Cape Town that provide limited emergency
services, such as food and accommodation, for newcomers
and vulnerable groups, such as women and children.

Cape Town Refugee Centre

The Cape Town Refugee Centre is a non-profit organization that provides assistance to
refugees and asylum seekers in Cape Town. The Cape Town Refugee Centre is the main
UNHCR contact for refugees and asylum seekers in Cape Town.
Physical Address: F12 1st Floor Wynberg Centre, 123 Main Road, Wynberg
Telephone: (021) 762 9670 No Appointment necessary on Mon, Tues and Thurs (09h00 –
12h00); Wed and Fri appointments necessary.
Services: Emergency Services Programme: Limited assistance with food and accommodation,
medical assistance (i.e. crutches or spectacles); limited assistance to pregnant women and
women with infants; educating landlords on refugee issues
-Children’s Programme: Educational counsellor assists in enrolling refugee/asylum seeker
children at schools; facilitates process of integration of children into local schools; informs
teachers about refugee issues relating to children
-Unacco
mpanied Minors Programme: Limited assistance with accommodation for unaccompanied
minors; placements with suitable guardians; assistance with accessing Home Affairs and the
asylum process

Catholic Welfare and Development (CWD)

Bonne Esperance Shelter for Women and Children is a CWD project, which provides
accommodation to refugee women and children that are new in South Africa.
Physical Address: No. 4 Lower Ottery Road, Philippi (opposite the police station)
Telephone: (021) 691 8664
Services: Limited assistance with food and accommodation; daycare services for children;
after-school care for children; limited assistance with clothing and toys for children; skills
training organized with other refugee service providers, such as language classes, basic
business and computer skills; referral from Cape Town Refugee Centre required.

Scalabrini Refugee Service

Physical Address: 47 Commercial Street, Cape Town
Telephone: (021) 465 6433
Services: Welcoming Programme: Every 2nd and 4th Wednesdays between 08h30 – 12h00;
limited assistance with basic food and clothing needs for newly arrived asylum seekers (first 6
months in Cape Town). -General Counselling – Monday 08h00 to 11h00
-Spiritual Counselling – Wednesday 17h00 prayer meeting at St. Agnes Church in Woodstock;
Thursday 19h00 prayer meeting at St. Agnes Church in Woodstock; Sunday 11h30 Holy Mass
(in French) at St Agnes Church in Woodstock; Also, home visits available upon arrangement.
-Disabled Refugees Programme – assisting disabled refugees with basic needs, transport,
access to Home Affairs and hospitals and organized outings.
-Children of Hope Programme – assisting unaccompanied minors with stationary for school,
food, clothing, access issues at Home Affairs, and accommodation.
The Ark Shelter
Physical Address: 5 Old Foure Rd., Foure
Telephone: (021) 843 3927 or Pastor Errol (072) 292 4384
Services: Provision of shelter and food for refugees and asylum seekers (men, women,
children and families) with valid permits and referral from Cape Town Refugee Centre. In
addition, the Shelter has school facilities, computer classes and skills training programmes
such as sewing, woodwork and welding.
8
 DO YOU NEED LEGAL ADVICE?
If at any stage during the asylum process, you require
guidance or legal advice about your rights, your obligations,
or procedural matters, the following organizations may be of
assistance to you. These organizations provide FREE legal
advice.

University of Cape Town (UCT) Law Clinic

Physical Address: Fourth Level, Kramer Law School Building, 1 Stanley Road, Middle
Campus University of Cape Town, Rondebosch
Telephone: (021) 650 3775
Email: uctlawclinic@uct.ac.za
Hours: Mon – Thurs 08h30-13h00, No appointment necessary
Services: All services for refugees and asylum seekers are free of charge.
-providing general legal advice to refugees and asylum seekers
-representing refugee clients at appeal hearings
-providing assistance with family reunification, voluntary repatriation and resettlement
applications
-liaising with Home Affairs on issues affecting refugees and asylum seekers
-conducting interviews on behalf of UNHCR for legal protection
-providing contact in general between refugees and UNHCR

Legal Resources Centre

Physical Address: 54 Shortmarket Street, Greenmarket Place 10th Floor, Cape Town
Telephone: (021) 423 8285
Hours: Mon – Fri 08h30-13h00, 14h00-16h30
Services: The Legal Resources Centre provides free legal assistance to refugees and
asylum seekers in public interest matters i.e. to refugees/asylum seekers whose legal
problems are representative of a group or class of people

Please NOTE:

 Legal Counsellors can only assist you with legal advice. They cannot provide
you with social services such as food or accommodation; however they can
refer you to the most appropriate refugee service organization to assist you.

 You can also get legal assistance from a private attorney. An attorney can
assist with your asylum application, an appeal, a review by the High Court, or a
court application. Usually, private attorneys charge fees, but you may negotiate
these fees with them. It is important to ask and agree about the fees before
you accept their services.

 Contact the Law Society of South Africa (Telephone 021 424 8060) to get
referrals for private attorneys that specialize in refugee law in Cape Town.

 You should be careful of individuals that may pretend to be qualified

immigration agents. These people often use bribery to obtain services from
Home Affairs, which is illegal and could get you into serious trouble. You can
also lose your money without receiving any valuable service from them.
 9
DO YOU NEED FINANCIAL SERVICES?
Asylum Seekers and refugees often experience problems
when trying to open a bank account, if they are not in
possession of the required identity documents. Most banks in
South Africa only allow recognized refugees to open up a bank account if they are in
possession of a valid refugee identity document. Also, a refugee with an identity
document can open a bank account at any Post Office in South Africa. This strict
requirement, however, causes difficulty for refugees or asylum seekers that are not in
possession of an identity document.

It is important to note that currently, some of South Africa’s big banks are reviewing
their policies in order to determine how they can better assist recognized refugees,
who have not yet received their Identity books (through no fault of their own; rather
due to their service delivery problems at Home Affairs) to open up bank accounts.

In Cape Town, if you are experiencing problems opening up a bank account, you
should contact a legal counsellor who might be able to assist you.

Refugees and asylum seekers may also approach savings and credit co-operations
who are often willing to open up bank accounts for refugees.

First National Bank

Recently, the First National Bank (FNB) head office instituted a pilot project to allow
asylum seekers to open savings accounts with a valid section 22 temporary asylum
seeker permit. This project has been extended to all FNB branches including those in
Cape Town. It is therefore possible for asylum seekers to open bank accounts at
FNB.

If you are having trouble opening a bank account, please contact the UCT Law Clinic
in order to obtain a letter of introduction.

University of Cape Town (UCT) Law Clinic

Physical Address: Fourth Level, Kramer Law School Building, 1 Stanley
Road, Middle Campus, Rondebosch
Telephone: (021) 650 3775
Hours: Mon - Thurs 08h30-13h00, No appointment necessary
 10 DO YOU NEED
MEDICAL HELP?
According to the South African Bill of Rights and the
Refugees Act, refugees and asylum seekers in
South Africa are entitled to the same health care
services that South African nationals are entitled to.
This means that they have the right to receive the
same healthcare services and pay the same fees as
South Africans in similar social and economic
circumstances.

At a South African public hospital, the fees you have to pay

for a visit depend on how much you earn and how many dependents you have,
according to the hospital rating scale. If you are unemployed or earn very little money,
for example, you will be expected to pay only R39 as an outpatient. This cost will cover
your consultation, any medical tests and medication. If you are unemployed and you
need to be admitted to the hospital, you will pay R194 for up to 30 days. However,
emergency medical treatment is free and available to everyone.

The South African government offers most primary health services for free. As well,
free primary health care services are available to pregnant and lactating women.
These services are available at public clinics and community health care centres.
Refugees and Asylum Seekers should also receive these services free of charge.

If you have a medical problem or a primary health care need, you should visit the
Community Health Centre (CHC) clinic that is nearest to where you live. In order to
see a doctor, you must make an appointment at the clinic. All consultations, except for
emergencies are made by appointment. If you cannot wait for your appointment, you
should go to the CHC and once all the patients with appointments have been seen on
that day, you will be assisted. In order to access a government hospital, except in an
emergency, you need to have a referral from a CHC clinic.

Emergency Services: Ambulance Tel: 10177

Disaster Tel: 107
Police Tel: 10111
General Hospitals: Groote Schuur Hospital
Physical Address: Main road, Observatory
Tel: (021) 404 9111
Tygerberg Hospital
Physical Address: Tygerberg
Tel: (021) 938 4911
Red Cross Children’ Hospital
Physical Address: Klipfontein Road, Rondebosch
Tel: (021) 658 5111

SEXUAL HEALTH SERVICES

Planned Parenthood Association of South Africa (PPASA)

The PPASA provides information and counselling to refugees and asylum

seekers on reproductive health issues.
Physical Address: 12 Anson Street, Observatory
Telephone: (021) 448 7312
Hours: Mon – Fri 08h00 – 16h00
Services: Sexual and reproductive health education and programs for
refugees and asylum seekers; distribution of condoms; referral of AIDS tests and
accompanying to AIDS tests; counselling to HIV positive refugees and asylum
seekers; advice on HIV treatments
11
 DO YOU NEED MENTAL HEALTH
COUNSELLING?
It is very common for refugees or asylum seekers to
experience mental health difficulties as a result of
the traumatic events that caused them to flee their
home countries, such as severe persecution or
violence or the loss of one or many family members in an armed conflict. Such
events may cause refugees and asylum seekers to feel overwhelmed with anxiety or
depression.
What is Trauma?
Trauma is an emotional state or reaction to a harmful event which leaves a lasting
mental effect on the individual that experiences the event. When a person has
experienced such an event, that person is often overcome with feelings of fear,
helplessness, or horror. These events are called traumatic experiences. Some
common traumatic experiences include being physically attacked, being in a serious
accident, being in combat, being sexually assaulted, witnessing the death or rape of
another person, experiencing torture, and being in a war. After traumatic
experiences, people may have problems that they didn't have before the event. If
these problems are severe and the survivor does not get help for them, they can
begin to cause problems in the survivor's life and family.

Important points to know about Trauma

 Traumatic events are not ordinary – they are outside the usual human
experience and are unexpected.
 Any normal person can suffer from the effects of trauma. People who
react to traumas are not going crazy. They experience symptoms and problems that
are connected with having been in a traumatic situation.
 Having symptoms after a traumatic event is not a sign of personal
weakness.
 Symptoms of reactions to trauma include: difficulty sleeping, nightmares,
health problems such as headaches, difficulty concentrating, anxiety, and feelings of
helplessness, fear or depression.
 Counselling is a very effective way to deal with the feelings that you
experience after a traumatic event. Counselling means talking to a professional, who
is trained in helping trauma victims, about what happened to you. The counsellor will
encourage you to talk about your feelings and will suggest methods to help you cope
and treat the pain you are suffering.

The Trauma Centre for the Survivors of Violence and Torture

The Trauma Centre provides FREE professional mental health counselling services
to people who have experienced or who are affected by violence. Refugees and
asylum seekers are encouraged to attend.
Physical Address: Cowley House, 126 Chapel Street Woodstock
Telephone: (021) 465 7373 call first for appointment
Hours: 09h00 – 16h00
Services: Free counselling of refugees and asylum seekers who are survivors of violent crime
and politically motivated human rights violations; includes individual or family counselling, advice
around applying for asylum; assistance in integration into South African society; orientation
programmes; information workshops and various support groups.
 12
HIV/AIDS INFORMATION
For REFUGEES and ASYLUM SEEKERS
South Africans, recognized refugees and asylum seekers are all at risk of
contracting HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), the virus that causes AIDS. HIV is
transmitted from one person to another by unprotected sexual intercourse, infected blood or
from infected mother to her baby. HIV is not spread through casual contact with another
person. A person who is infected with HIV can often look and feel healthy.
Refugees and asylum seekers who want to know their
he only way to determine whether you are HIV status should have access to local voluntary
fected is to be tested for HIV infection. If counselling and testing (VCT) services. Since
u have any reason to believe that you refugees and asylum seekers speak many different
ve been exposed to the virus, please seek languages, they also may require confidential
ditional information and advice. interpretation as part of their VCT process. The Cape
Town Refugee Centre and the Planned Parenthood
Association of South Africa (PPASA) can assist refugees and asylum seekers with
interpretation. Refugees and asylum seekers are also entitled to pre-and post test counselling
and follow up support after the test. HIV testing in South Africa is strictly voluntary; it is in no way
related to or required for an asylum claim.
Some refugees and asylum seekers with AIDS are eligible for anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment. Refugees
who fit the medical criteria for ARV have the right to access ARV medications free of charge through
the South African government ARV programme. They also should be provided with counselling and
nutritional support.
In Cape Town, the Planned Parenthood Association of South Africa and the Sonke Gender Justice
Network provides information and counselling to refugees and asylum seekers about all reproductive
and sexual health issues, including HIV/AIDS testing and treatment support. These services are
provided in a strictly confidential manner; information will only be shared with a third party with the
written consent of the client.
Planned Parenthood Association of South Africa (PPASA)
Physical Address: 12 Anson Street, Observatory
Telephone: (021) 448 7312
Hours: Mon – Fri 08h00 – 16h00
Services: Sexual and reproductive health education and programs for refugees and asylum
seekers; distribution of condoms; referral for HIV tests and accompanying of clients to VCT
services; counselling for HIV positive refugees and asylum seekers; advice and support on
treatment.

The Sonke Gender Justice Network

Physical Address: 4th Floor Westminster House, 122 Longmarket Street, 8001, Cape Town
Telephone: (021) 423 7088
Services: Sexual and reproductive health education and programs for refugees and asylum
seekers; distribution of condoms; referral for HIV tests and accompanying of clients to VCT
services; counselling for HIV positive refugees and asylum seekers; advice and support on
treatment.

The Cape Town Refugee Centre provides refugees and asylum seekers with assistance in
obtaining the proper counselling, HIV testing, treatment and any other medical needs they
may have.
Physical Address: F12 1st Floor Wynberg centre, 123 Main Road, Wynberg
Telephone: (021) 762 9670

SOUTH AFRICA NATIONAL AIDS HELP LINE 0800 01 23 22 13

 PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOR REFUGEE &
ASYLUM SEEKER CHILDREN
The Bill of Rights of the South African Constitution states that access to
education is a basic human right for everybody. This means that
refugee and asylum seeking children have the right to study in public
government schools in South Africa and they cannot be sent away
from schools if they cannot pay the school fees.

South Africa’s primary education is from the age of 7 to 15 (grade 1 to 9). Primary school
education is obligatory in South Africa. This means that the government is obliged to provide
adequate primary school for all children, including children of refugees and asylum seekers.

The academic school year in South Africa begins in January. You must register your child for
school before the end of the previous year. To do this, you should go to the school where you
want your child to study (or the school nearest to where you live), obtain the registration
forms, fill them in and bring them back to the school. If you cannot afford the school fees, or
cannot pay the full amount, you must apply at the school for an exemption.
Refugees and Asylum Seekers are entitled to apply for an exemption of school fees for their
children. However, it is your responsibility as the parent(s) to apply for this fee exemption.
Unless and until you have been granted exemption, you can be forced to pay the school fees.
Who can apply for School Fees Exemption?
 If your combined annual income amounts to less than 10 times the annual school fee,
you can apply for full exemption.
 If your combined annual income is between 10 and 30 times the annual school fees,
you can apply for a partial exemption.
 If your combined annual income is more than 30 times the school's annual fee, you do
not qualify for any exemption and you must pay the full fee.

How to apply for a School Fees Exemption?

To apply for an exemption, you must obtain the Application Form for Exemption from the
school administration office. Your application should include information about your income
and expenditures, family size and current financial responsibilities. This application must be
filled in at the beginning of each term. You can also get this Exemption Form from the UCT
Law Clinic.

If you need assistance in filling out the School Fees Exemption Form, please see a refugee
legal counsellor at:

University of Cape Town (UCT) Law Clinic

Physical Address: Fourth Level, Kramer Law School Building,
1 Stanley Road, Middle Campus, Rondebosch
Telephone: (021) 650 3775
Hours: Mon - Thurs 08h30-13h00, No appointment necessary

The CAPE TOWN REFUGEE CENTRE - Children’s Education Programme

The CTRC provides assistance to refugees and asylum seekers in enrolling their children at
schools in Cape Town. They also facilitate a process of integration of children into local
schools. In addition, to a limited degree, the CTRC may sometimes assist refugees and
asylum seekers with the payment of school fees.
Physical Address: F12 1st Floor Wynberg centre, 123 Main Road, Wynberg
Telephone: (021) 762 9670 No Appointment necessary on Mon, Tues and Thurs (09h00 –
12h00); Wed and Fri appointments necessary.

14
 EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION
For REFUGEES and ASYLUM SEEKERS
Recognized refugees and asylum seekers in South Africa have the right to
seek employment under the Refugees Act and the international conventions
that South Africa has signed, as well as the Bill of Rights (Chapter 2) of the
Constitution of South Africa. This includes the right to self employment, and to
enter into contracts and leases. The right to seek employment supports the integration of refugees and
asylum seekers into local society.
For refugees, the document granting refugee status is proof of right to work. For asylum seekers, the
asylum seeker permit is proof of right to work. Refugees and asylum seekers do not need an
employment contract from the employer to work.
Wage Disputes
If you have disputes over unpaid wages, contact the South African Department of Labour. To find the
location of the Department of Labour you must visit, call (021) 460 5901 and ask for “Inquiries.” Be
sure you can provide the physical address of the employer and your job description.
If you work in certain trades in Cape Town:
Labour Centre - Cape Town
Operating Hours: 08:00 to 14:30, Monday to Friday
Telephone Number(s): (021) 460 5911 / 5169 / 5170
Fax Number(s): (021) 462 0981
Physical Address: Thomas Boydell Building
22 Parade Street, Room 2
Cape Town
Email Address: ntombekhaya.qamata@labour.gov.za
Unemployment Insurance Fund
The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) was established to provide short term relief to workers,
subject to certain conditions, when they become unemployed, or are unable to work because of illness,
maternity or adoption leave, and also to provide relief to the dependants of deceased contributors.
Additional information is available from the nearest Labour Centre or from the UIF Call Center: (012)
337 1680.
Compensation Fund
The Compensation Fund was established to compensate employees for disablement caused by
occupational injuries/diseases sustained/contracted in the course of their employment, or their
dependants for death resulting from such injuries/diseases, and to pay the reasonable medical
expenses incurred. Contact your nearest Provincial Labour Office, Labour Centre or the Office of the
Compensation Commissioner. In Cape Town, call (021) 441 8000. For the Office of the Compensation
Commissioner, call (012) 319 9111.
Unfair Dismissals
If you believe you were unfairly dismissed, contact the
Commission for Conciliation, Mediation & Arbitration (CCMA).
CCMA
Operating Hours: 08:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday
Telephone Number(s): (021) 469 0111
Fax Number(s): (021) 465 7193 / 7197 / 7187
Physical Address: 78 Darling Street, 5th floor
Cape Town
Email Address: ctn@ccma.org.za

15
 HOUSING INFORMATION
For REFUGEES and ASYLUM SEEKERS
Recognized refugees and asylum seekers in South Africa have the right to have access
to adequate housing, and right to equitable treatment in accessing housing, under the
Bill of Rights (Chapter 2) of the Constitution of South Africa.
The tenant has rights against the landlord, including the tenant’s right to:
 Not have his or her person or home searched;
 Not have his or her property searched;
 Not have his or her possessions seized without an order of the court; and
 Privacy of communications.
No one may be evicted from their home, or have their home demolished, without an order of court made after
considering all the relevant circumstances. If your landlord takes your possessions without a court order, it is theft
and you should contact the South African Police and lodge a complaint with the Rental Housing Tribunal.

Dispute Settlement between Tenants and Landlords

The Western Cape Rental Housing Tribunal seeks to resolve disputes between tenants and landlords that arise
due to unfair practices. A tenant or landlord may lodge a complaint by filing the complaint form that is available
from the Tribunal (see http://www.capegateway.gov.za/eng/pubs/forms/C/61145). The Tribunal will conduct a
preliminary investigation, and an inspector may inspect the property concerned and compile a report if necessary.
The Tribunal must, within 30 days of receipt of the complaint, determine whether the complaint relates to a
dispute that may involve an unfair practice. If the complaint does not relate to such a dispute, the complainant will
be notified in writing. If the complaint does relate to such a dispute, the Tribunal will try to resolve the matter with
mediation. If the parties are unable to reach agreement, the case will be referred for a ruling at a formal hearing.
A ruling by the Tribunal is regarded as an order of a Magistrates' Court and is binding on the parties.
The Western Cape Rental Housing Tribunal
Operating Hours: 08:00 to 12:30; 13:00 to 15:00, Monday to Friday
Telephone Number(s): (021) 483 2111 / 3944 / 2189 / 2099 / 4383 / 4020 / 4190
Fax Number(s): (021) 483 2060
Physical Address: Department of Local Government and Housing
27 Wale Street, Ground Floor, Cape Town
Web Address: http://www.capegateway.gov.za/eng/directories/public_entities/4200/10906

Legal Assistance
The UCT Law Clinic does not provide legal assistance to tenants in tenant-landlord disputes. For assistance in
these matters, please contact one of the organizations listed below.
Legal Aid Board Offices (Justice Centres) Cape Town Branch
Operating Hours: 08:00 to 13:00; 14:00 to 16:30, Monday to Friday
Telephone Number(s): (021) 426 4126
Fax Number(s): (021) 426 5766
Physical Address: 85 St. George’s Mall, Nedbank Building, 5th floor Cape Town
Web Address: http://www.legal-aid.co.za/index.php
Additional branches in Athlone (2nd Floor, Melofin Centre, Old Klipfontein Road; Tel: 021 697 5252), Stellenbosch
(1st Floor, Eikestad Mall; Tel: 021 882 9221), and Worcester (60 Russel Street; Tel: 023 348 4040). Please seek
assistance in person at the office closest to your place of residence.
University of Western Cape (UWC) Legal Aid Clinic
Operating Hours: 08:30 to 13:00, 14:00 to 16:30, Monday to Friday (by appointment only)
Telephone Number(s): (021) 959 2756
Fax Number(s): (021) 959 2747
Physical Address: Old Library Building, University of the Western Cape Campus
Modderdam Road, Bellville
* The UWC Legal Aid Clinic provides legal assistance only to tenants who are being evicted. The UWC Clinic does not provide assistance to
tenants in matters concerning rent payments or living conditions.

University of Stellenbosch (US) Legal Aid Clinic

Operating Hours: 08:30 to 16:30, Monday to Friday
Telephone Number(s): (021) 808 3432 / 3925 Fax Number(s): (021) 808 3720
Physical Address: 44 Banghoek Road Stellenbosch
Email Address: ck@sun.ac.za
** Legal assistance from the University of Stellenbosch Legal Aid Clinic may not be free.

16
WHAT IS VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION?
Voluntary Repatriation is the free and voluntary return of refugees to their country of
origin in safety and dignity. If conditions in the individual’s home country are
considered to be safe and conducive to return, this solution is regarded by the
UNHCR as the best solution for refugees because it allows refugees to resume a
normal life in their home country.

How to Apply for Voluntary Repatriation?

In South Africa, refugees who wish to be considered for voluntary repatriation must
complete a Voluntary Repatriation Application Form. In this form, you must provide
detailed information about the place you wish to return to. The UNHCR has to be
satisfied that you do not have fear of further persecution if you would return to that
location and that the location is safe for your return. You must also include a name
and contact information for a family member that can assist you once you return to
your home country. Furthermore, in order to qualify for Voluntary Repatriation, you
must be of concern to UNHCR, meaning that you need to have had a genuine
refugee-related reason for leaving your home country.

In the Cape Town area, to see a legal counsellor in order to get assistance in applying
for Voluntary Repatriation, please contact the:
UCT LAW CLINIC, Refugee Rights Project
Address: Fourth Level, Kramer Law School Building, 1 Stanley Road,
Middle Campus, Rondebosch
Telephone: (021) 650 3775
Hours: Mon - Thurs 08h30-13h00 No appointment needed.

The Voluntary Repatriation Process

The legal counsellor will conduct an interview with you in order to establish whether
you are of concern to UNHCR. The legal counsellor will also discuss with you the
conditions in your home country to determine whether it is possible for you to return
there. The legal counsellor will assess your claim and make a recommendation for
Voluntary Repatriation to the UNHCR. The legal counsellor will assist you in
completing the Voluntary Repatriation Application Form, giving the details of yourself
and your family members. You must sign the application form, indicating that you
agree to be repatriated voluntarily to your home country and then the form will be sent
to the UNCHR, together with the recommendation for Voluntary Repatriation.

The UNHCR makes a final decision on your application for Voluntary Repatriation and
if you are accepted, it will organize one-way travel arrangements for your return to
your home country. Returnees are normally given a Voluntary Repatriation grant of
$100.00 per adult and $50.00 per child (age 0-15) at the airport on their departure
date. At this time, they must sign a declaration that they have received this grant
money and they will be informed that there will be no further financial assistance from
UNHCR upon arrival in their home country.

Important Notes about Voluntary Repatriation

 The role of UNHCR with regard to Voluntary Repatriation ends when you cross
the border back to your home country.
 You lose your refugee status or asylum seeker status when you leave South
Africa to go back to your home country.
 The Voluntary Repatriation process often takes more than 2 to 3 months to
complete.

17
WHAT IS FAMILY REUNIFICATION?
The difficult circumstances in which refugees leave their home countries often involve
the separation of families. Such separation creates serious obstacles to a refugee’s
successful integration into South African society. As a result, it is a priority of the
South African government and the UNHCR to help ensure that separated refugee
families are reunited.

The Process for Family Reunification

 Applications for family reunification may be made by a recognized refugee to
the Department of Home Affairs at the Refugee Reception Office.
 An asylum seeker cannot apply for family reunification.
 To apply for family reunification, you must write a letter explaining when you left
your home country, how you got separated from the rest of your family, the
names and birthdates of your family members, where they are currently
located and proof that you will be able to support them when they arrive in
South Africa. In addition to the letter, you must also provide proof of family
relations i.e. birth or marriage certificates.
 The recognized refugee should have declared the wife or child on the initial
asylum seeker application.
 UNHCR may, in exceptional circumstances, assist the family members with
transportation to and from South Africa for purposes of reunification.

In order to facilitate the family reunification process, it may be necessary to first

locate or trace lost family members. The tracing service of the South African
Red Cross Society assists asylums seekers and refugees with locating their
family members in other countries. This service usually takes some time to
perform and there is no guarantee of success in locating the missing family
member(s). The more identification information that you provide, for example,
identification documentation or information about where the person was last
seen, who the person was with and where they could have gone to, the better
the chance of locating the family member(s).

The South African Red Cross Society

Physical Address: Ndabeni Business Park, Unit 5, Cnr Old Mill and Inyoni Streets,
NDABENI, 7405
Contact Person: The Tracing Officer
Telephone: (021) 532 0202
Fax: (021) 531 3007
Hours: Mon – Fri 08h30 – 16h30 (preferable to make an appointment)
Services: Tracing services (exchange of family news through Red Cross Messages
received from and forwarded to other national Red Cross Societies); Assistance in re-
uniting vulnerable persons, such as unaccompanied minors (up to age 18 years) or
elderly persons with their families in host country (or in South Africa); requests for
school/university certificates, birth, marriage or death certificates. The ICRC
(International Committee of the Red Cross) is the main agency of the Red Cross &
Red Crescent Movement for family reunification.

In the Cape Town area, to see a legal counsellor in order to get assistance in applying
for Family Reunification please contact the:
UCT LAW CLINIC, Refugee Rights Project
Address: Fourth Level, Kramer Law School Building, 1 Stanley Road,
Middle Campus, Rondebosch
Telephone: (021) 650 3775
 Hours: Mon - Thurs 08h30-13h00 No appointment needed.

18

HAVE YOUR RIGHTS BEEN

VIOLATED?
DO YOU HAVE ANY
COMPLAINTS?

If you believe that your rights have been violated or that your asylum claim has been
unfairly treated, you can use this toll free number for the Department of Home Affairs
to make a complaint. The Department will conduct an internal investigation, which will
result in a written explanation.

DHA COMPLAINTS TOLL-FREE NUMBER

0800 601 190
ALL REPORTS TO THIS NUMBER ARE GUARANTEED ABSOLUTE
ANONYMITY

You may also make a complaint against any member of a government department
(i.e. Department of Home Affairs) through the:

PUBLIC PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE

Physical Address: 130 Adderley Street ABC Building 2nd Floor
Telephone: (021) 423 8644

If your rights have been violated by the POLICE, you should contact the:

INDEPENDENT COMPLAINTS DIRECTORATE

Physical Address: 106 Adderley Street Colonial Mutual Bldg 6th Floor
Telephone: (021) 480 2000 call first for appointment.

If you feel that you have been discriminated against as a refugee and you wish to lay a
complaint, you should contact the:

SOUTH AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

Western Cape Office
Physical Address: 7th Floor ABSA Building, 132 Adderley Street, Cape Town
PO Box 3563, Cape Town, 8001
Telephone: (021) 426 2277

If you think that your complaint includes a criminal offence, you can lay a charge with
the South African Police Services, who will conduct a criminal investigation.

When making a report to the

Police, always write down the
name and rank of the person
you reported to and the
docket number of the case.
17
The Refugee Rights Project at the University of Cape Town Law
Clinic, which has been funded since 1998 by the UNHCR, was
created in order to assist refugees and asylum seekers in the asylum
process and in the search for durable solutions. The Project's
mandate is to ensure that the best legal support and services are
made available to refugees and asylum seekers in the Western Cape.
The Project provides all of its services free of charge.
The UNHCR is the United Nations agency that assists refugees, by
safeguarding and promoting their rights around the world. In South
Africa, the UNHCR assists the South African government in providing
protection to refugees and asylum seekers and in finding durable
solutions for them, such as voluntary repatriation, resettlement and
local integration.
The Refugee Rights Project is an implementing partner of the
UNHCR. This means that in the Cape Town area, any concerns or
enquiries about the legal protection of refugees, the local integration
of refugees or about any UNHCR-related applications and
procedures should be made through the Refugee Rights Project at
the UCT Law Clinic.

This Refugee Rights Information Booklet was prepared

by the Refugee Rights Project at the UCT Law Clinic.
This booklet is intended to provide important information
to Cape Town’s refugees and asylum seekers about how
to apply for asylum and about refugees’ and asylum
seekers’ rights and obligations within the asylum
determination process. This booklet also provides
valuable information and contact details of the various
resources and services that exist in the Cape Town area
to assist refugees and asylum seekers better integrate
into South African society.