The group arrived at OR Tambo International Airport last week, with Minister of International Relations and Co-operation, Ronald Lamola reportedly intervening to allow them to enter the country. ACDP Deputy President Wayne Thring has lamented the country’s lax immigration laws.
“SA, has very lax laws, which allows for an individual who is seeking refugee status in SAa, to first come into the country, and once in the country, they have five days or so to actually apply for refugee status, and depending on the circumstance, that particular status can be given. I think that this is a bit of a loophole, because in many other countries. You have to apply before actually coming into the country, which allows the country to actually vet you. But in SA, criminals from anywhere, and I’m not necessarily referring to the Palestinians, criminals can actually come into SA, and apply for refugee status,” he said.
–SABC–
