UNHCR is currently only able to facilitate voluntary returns for applicants holding documentation issued by the Department of Home Affairs (Section-22 and Section-24 only),  as some form of documentation is required to apply for travel documents.
Applicants who were unable to register themselves at the Refugee Reception Offices (RROs) due to their closure resulting from COVID-19 restrictions and have a Protection Letter issued by Lawyers for Human Rights, Nelson Mandela University Refugee Rights Centre, University of Cape Town Refugee Rights Unit  (See Legal Assistance page for contacts) and who wish to return to their countries of origin, would also be assessed however they would not be able to depart until their stay in South Africa is documented; UNHCR is advocating with the DHA for documentation for asylum seekers.