South Africa is unable to receive Afghan refugees

1 September 2021

The South African Government notes the overtures made to the country to consider receiving a number of Afghanistan refugees who have sought refuge in Pakistan.

The request is that they be accommodated in South Africa en-route to their final destinations.

The South African Government is unfortunately not in a position to accommodate such a request. South Africa is already home to a substantial number of refugees and is seized with addressing their needs. Most of them already benefit from the Social Assistance and free medical health programmes offered by our country.

In terms of international law, the well-being of the refugees is best served by remaining in the first country arrival – Pakistan – pending their final destinations.

Issued by Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson, DIRCO, 1 September 2021