People who have committed non-political crimes that would be punishable by imprisonment in South Africa if committed here are also not eligible. The new law aims to speed up the processing of refugee applications. Currently, only about 10,000 of 49,000 applications have been approved, said Mr. Lockey. The Home Affairs Department's Hennie Meyer said any foreigner seeking refugee status was required to fill an application form at a Home Affairs office. This form was forwarded to Home Affairs' main refugee committee in Johannesburg or a smaller unit in Pretoria.
Unsuccessful applicants can apply to a one-person appeal committee.
According to the bill, the approval process for refugee status should not exceed six months. The appeal procedure should not take more than three months. Application for asylum should be made within 14 days of entering into South Africa. Asylum seekers can only be removed from South Africa on the grounds of national security or public order. Those who contravene South African law maybe be liable for a fine or imprisonment of not more than five years.