Question NW713 to the Minister of Home Affairs

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27 May 2020 - NW713

Profile picture: Tito, Ms LF

Tito, Ms LF to ask the Minister of Home Affairs

How does his department intend to protect asylum seekers whose applications were not processed before the lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19?

Reply:

Asylum seekers who make new applications on arrival reside in local communities. If there are new applicants who have entered the Republic as lockdown was declared, they will receive assistance in the communities where they reside.

It should be noted that the Republic has not abdicated its international obligations, especially to those who will declare their intention to apply for asylum, the principle of non-refoulment is fully applicable even under these circumstances we currently face and therefore Immigration Officials are expected to assist such persons should they encounter them during law enforcement operations.

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