Applicants will be interviewed for their refugee status application. They may bring witnesses or a person who is able to speak English to assist them to tell their story. They must also bring supporting documents such as:

• Birth Certificates
• Photographs
• Personal records
• Research done about conditions in their home country, including newspaper articles

They will be notified about the outcome of their application within 180 days.

What Happens if an Application for Refugee Status is Declined?

The person will be given 30 days to submit an appeal to the Refugee Reception Office or to leave the country. In the appeal the person must state reasons why he or she should not go back to their home country.

A person can appeal on the basis that:

• The correct procedure for processing the application was not followed
• The facts on the application were not taken into consideration
• The person who interviewed him or her was biased

What Happens if the Application for Refugee Status is Approved?

• If the application is successful, the person will be granted refugee status and a Section 24 Permit that is valid for two years

• He or she will immediately be issued with a Refugee ID in terms of Section 30 of the Refugee Act

• This Section 24 Permit must be renewed at the Refugee Reception Office 90 days before the expiry date