The Department of Home Affairs will close its Port Elizabeth Refugee Reception Centre with effect from 30 November 2011 following a court judgment with which it is legally obliged to comply.
The Department of Home Affairs reiterates that as a signatory to the 1951 Geneva Convention, it is fully cognisant of its international obligations towards ensuring the rights of refugees is upheld. To this end, the government has ensured its domestic law is responsive to ensuring we meet and fulfil these obligations.
However, following a court decision arising from local business people in the vicinity of the Port Elizabeth Refugee Reception Centre, the department was directed to close the centre on the basis that it was a “nuisance factor.”
Although the department is legally required to comply with the court order to close the Port Elizabeth Refugee Reception Office, will continue to render services to refugees. In this regard, the Director-General will soon announce the location of the new Centre.
This will be in line with the decision that refugees must approach Refugee Reception Offices within five days of their arrival in South Africa.
In addition, to ensure the smooth closure of the Centre, the department has interacted with stakeholders and business representatives in and around Port Elizabeth affected by the move.
Enquries:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
