The lives of thousands of people seeking refugee status in South Africa remain in limbo nearly seven years after Cape Town’s Refugee Reception Office was closed down.
Seven years ago when the centre closed, the Scalabrini Centre took the Department of Home Affairs to court, saying there are many immigrants in Cape Town who need to be documented.
However the centre still remains closed and they’re going back to court to get home affairs to open the centre again.
Eyewitness news reported that the centre was closed as it was felt the premises at Custom House on the foreshore were too small for purpose.
It means that those seeking to apply for refugee status must head outside the province.
Ramadan Vorster a foreign national” said: We struggle a lot. I’m 12 years now with no documents. It’s very difficult for us.”
Last year, the Department of Home Affair said the Department Public Works needed to find appropriate premises for the centre.
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