How to verify asylum documents in South Africa? If you have fled your country of origin for fear of persecution, and you do not have legal documents such as a passport or visa, you must apply for an asylum seeker’s permit at the nearest Refugee Reception Office (RRO).The asylum seeker’s permit is a temporary permit which you are given pending a decision on your application for refugee status or for asylum.
If your asylum application is approved, you will be given a Section 24 permit (also known as a “Refugee Permit”) which officially recognises you as a refugee and is valid for two years. The permit may be renewed.
What Are Asylum Documents in South Africa?
Asylum documents are issued to individuals who have applied for refugee protection in South Africa. These documents allow them to stay legally in the country while their application is being processed.
Common Types of Asylum Documents:
- Section 22 Permit (Asylum Seeker Permit)
- Section 24 Permit (Refugee Status Permit)
- Refugee ID Document
Each document is issued by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) and contains important identification and legal status details.
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HOW DO I FILL OUT THIS FORM CORRECTLY?
It is important that this form is filled out correctly. Either, you can print this form and fill it out by hand, and
then scan it as an attachment. Or, you can fill it out electronically using a PDF editor.
Make sure that
You write all information clearly and make sure it is absolutely correct
You fill out one form per person in your file
If you have children under the age of 18, that you as parent or legal caregiver, sign on their behalf.
The email address that you use on the form will be the email address that Home Affairs will be replying to.
With this form, you must attach the three required documents. These are:
A copy of the expired asylum or refugee document for each person in your file. This needs to be a clear
colour scan, or a very clear photograph. Do not submit blurry or unclear photographs.
An affidavit is only needed for those people who have lost their expired asylum or refugee document. If
this is the case, you must go to a police station to have the affidavit commissioned and you must explain
when and how the document was lost. You must include your asylum or refugee file number on this
affidavit. (If you do not know your file number, please see page 4 of this infographic).
For your proof of address, you must attach a bank statement, lease agreement or utility bill. If this is not
possible, you can submit an affidavit that states your name, file number and current address. This can be
done at any police station.
Step-by-Step Guide to Verify Asylum Documents
1. Check Physical Security Features
Start by examining the document itself. Genuine asylum documents usually include:
- Official DHA logo
- Unique permit number
- Barcode or QR code
- Holder’s photograph
- Expiry date
- Signature or stamp from Home Affairs
Red flag: Blurred printing, spelling mistakes, or missing elements.
2. Verify the Expiry Date
Asylum permits must be renewed regularly.
- If the permit is expired, it may no longer be valid
- Some permits are extended via official stamps
Always confirm that the document is currently valid
3. Cross-Check Personal Information
Compare the document details with the holder:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Nationality
- Photo
Any mismatch is a strong indicator of fraud.
4. Visit a Home Affairs Office
The most reliable method is to verify directly with the Department of Home Affairs.
How to do it:
- Visit the nearest DHA office
- Present the document
- Request verification assistance
Officials can confirm whether the permit number exists in their system.
5. Use the Refugee Reception Office
Asylum seekers are processed through Refugee Reception Offices.
You can:
- Visit the office where the document was issued
- Request confirmation of authenticity
6. Contact DHA Through Official Channels
You can also verify documents by:
- Calling DHA contact center
- Sending email inquiries
- Using official online platforms (if available)
Avoid third-party websites claiming instant verification—they are often scams.
7. Check Barcode or QR Code (If Available)
Some modern permits include scannable codes.
- Use a trusted scanner app
- Ensure it links to official DHA data (if supported)
If the code doesn’t work or leads to unrelated content, be cautious.
