News Articles

New refugee documents welcomed

Source: Cape Argus, 16/11/2017


Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Fatima Chohan says machine-readable
travel documents are more secure. Picture: Brenton Geach
Cape Town - The government has introduced a new way to better manage
its refugee and asylum seekers with an improved refugee travel document.
The new machine-readable travel document for refugees has been
designed and developed using the latest passport production technology
and security standards.
It is similar to the new smart ID cards and includes a pure
polycarbonate datapage for personalisation by laser engraving. The
department says the new technology is fully compliant with the UN High
Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and International Civil Aviation
Authority guidelines.
Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Fatima Chohan said machine-readable
travel documents were more secure.
“Because security considerations play an ever-increasing role due to
the risks of document and identity fraud, they not only increase
security and trust among states, but also enhance the level of
confidence in the users, in this case, refugees.
`They facilitate the safe and regular movement of refugees and thereby
reduce the risk of exploitation, abuse, violence and human trafficking.
“This development is also another step in our efforts to improve
services in the country, mainly to our citizens, but also to migrants
who find themselves in difficulties in their home countries,” she said.
Sharon Cooper, regional representative of the UNHCR, said: “Travel
documents have concrete benefits for refugees. Having a legal
identity, including through the issuance of travel documents, is a
critical component of international protection.
`Travel documents can enable access to basic services and rights,
allowing refugees to pursue education or work abroad.
`They also allow refugees to seek possibilities for family unity as
well as their ability to lead independent and stable lives.`


Search
South Africa Immigration Company