The inter-ministerial committee on migration has announced that the relocation of refugee reception centres towards South Africa’s borders will begin in December, marking a significant shift in the government’s approach to managing asylum seekers and undocumented migrants. The committee, chaired by Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, confirmed that the move is a phased transition of service counters that currently operate in inland cities—not an immediate, same-week closure of existing facilities.
The decision to relocate refugee reception centres to border areas is aimed at streamlining the processing of asylum applications, enhancing border control, and addressing security concerns associated with inland processing. By positioning the centres closer to points of entry, the government hopes to manage migration flows more effectively and reduce the backlog of applications that has plagued the system for years.
The phased approach is intended to allow for proper planning, infrastructure development, and consultation with affected stakeholders, including refugees, asylum seekers, and the organisations that support them. The committee has emphasised that the relocation will be implemented gradually to avoid disrupting services and to ensure that vulnerable individuals are not left without access to protection.
The announcement has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters argue that the move will strengthen border management and reduce the pull factors that encourage irregular migration to urban centres. Critics, however, warn that relocating reception centres to remote border areas could make it harder for asylum seekers to access legal assistance, healthcare, and other essential services, and may expose them to greater risks, including detention and deportation.
The inter-ministerial committee has committed to engaging with civil society organisations, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and other partners to ensure that the relocation process upholds South Africa’s obligations under international refugee law. Kubayi stressed that the government remains committed to protecting the rights of genuine asylum seekers while maintaining the integrity of the immigration system.
As the December start date approaches, the focus will be on how the relocation is implemented and whether it achieves its intended objectives without compromising the safety and dignity of those seeking refuge in South Africa. For now, the government has signalled its intent to proceed, and all eyes will be on the border centres as they begin to take shape.
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