As the world observes World Refugee Day, Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs has strongly denounced recent attacks on foreign nationals that have been taking place around the country.
The World Refugee Day, which is annually commemorated on 20 June, is dedicated to raising awareness of the situation of refugees throughout the world.
Chairperson of the Committee, Ms Maggie Maunye, said it was disheartening to learn of the growing number of attacks on foreign nationals. “These acts are not in accordance with the laws of the country, and they are inhumane and we urge all the people of the country to live in harmony and foreign nationals should not be made to feel like foreigners.”
Ms Maunye said it was important that the country works towards better integration of foreign nationals in order to maximise the benefits brought by foreign nationals in the country and minimise conflict.
To this end, the Committee is currently processing the Refugee Amendment Bill which aims to clarify how applications for refugee status must be dealt with.
The Bill further seeks to clarify the situation of refugees by creating a committee that will deal with applications for asylum in terms of the Act instead of the Refugee Status Determination Officer as is currently the case. This amendment will ensure that the applications for asylum in terms of the Act are dealt with efficiently, promptly and in a less subjective fashion.
The Committee will soon embark on an oversight visit to refugee centres. This is to monitor the implementation of the past Refugee Amendment Acts.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact:
Kanyisa Ndyondya
Parliamentary Communication Services
Tel: 021 403 8041
Cell: 083 624 0585
E-mail: kndyondya@parliament.gov.za
Source: Parliament of South Africa
