ANC members were freedom fighters, not refugees - Home Affairs minister defends changes to refugee laws
9 January 2020
Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has dismissed criticism of amendments to refugee laws, saying the changes are aimed at closing gaps in the legislation.
Motsoaledigazetted the Refugees Amendment Act, which came into effect on January 1.
The process, which the minister said had taken 12 years to develop, included seven major amendments.
They include changes relating to the definition of a dependant, exclusions, the abandonment of applications, the conditions for the withdrawal of refugee status, the banning of refugees from participation in political affairs of their home countries and the training of members of the standing committee on refugees, among others.