SA Migration International

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Home Affairs introduces new machine-readable travel documents for refugees

Source: EWN, 15/11/2017

Home Affairs Deputy Minister Fatima Chohan says that the new documents
are more secure and should facilitate safer travel for refugees.

The Home Affairs Department has introduced a new machine-readable
travel document for refugees.
Just over 35,000 people sought asylum in South Africa last year.
Home Affairs and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees says
that they`re on high alert in the event of an influx of people seeking
refuge in the country, in the wake of political instability in Zimbabwe.
The earlier version of the refugee travel document was introduced in
2009, when the number of refugees and asylum seekers peaked at over
200,000.
But international guidelines have prompted an update.
Home Affairs Deputy Minister Fatima Chohan says that the new documents
are more secure and should facilitate safer travel for refugees.
â€œRefugees stand to bear a huge risk of exploitation when they travel
outside of the country, including abuse, violence and even sometimes
fall foul of human trafficking.â€
Holders of valid, existing refugee travel documents will still be
allowed to use them until the date of expiry.

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