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Standing Committee for Refugee Affairs (SCRA)

Standing Committee for Refugee Affairs (SCRA)

The Standing Committee for Refugee Affairs (SCRA) is an independent body established under the Refugees Act, 1998, responsible for oversight, review, and certification within South Africa’s refugee system. It plays a crucial role in ensuring that decisions regarding refugee status are fair, lawful, and consistent with both national and international refugee protection standards.

The SCRA is mandated to:

  • Review decisions made by Refugee Status Determination Officers (RSDOs), particularly in cases of manifestly unfounded, abusive, or fraudulent applications.

  • Certify indefinite refugee status for long-term refugees who have been lawfully residing in South Africa for 10 years or more under protection.

  • Oversee the integrity and proper functioning of the refugee determination process in South Africa.

    • Reviewing Rejected Applications:

    The SCRA reconsiders cases that have been rejected by RSDOs on certain grounds, ensuring procedural fairness and compliance with the Refugees Act.

    Certification as an Indefinite Refugee:

    The Committee assesses applications from refugees seeking indefinite certification, confirming whether they still meet the conditions for protection and long-term residence.

    Withdrawal of Status:

    In some cases, the SCRA may review and approve the withdrawal of refugee status if evidence shows the person obtained it fraudulently or if circumstances in the country of origin have fundamentally changed.

  • The SCRA acts independently from the Department of Home Affairs but operates under the legal framework of the Refugees Act.

  • Applicants must submit their requests or appeals through a Refugee Reception Office, which then forwards them to the SCRA.

  • All reviews and certifications are conducted in writing and recorded officially.

  • The SCRA does not handle fresh asylum applications — its mandate is limited to reviews, certification, and oversight.

  • Decisions of the SCRA are final, subject only to judicial review by the High Court under the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (PAJA).

    • Successful applicants for indefinite refugee certification receive formal confirmation that their refugee status is permanent unless withdrawn under law.

    Negative SCRA decisions may be challenged in court where procedural irregularities or errors of law are alleged.

    Nuborders Immigration Solutions

  • Preparing and submitting applications for SCRA certification as indefinite refugees.

  • Appeals and representations to the SCRA following rejection of asylum claims.

  • Judicial reviews of adverse SCRA decisions in the High Court.

  • Legal advice on maintaining refugee status and transitioning to permanent residence under Section 27(d) of the Refugees Act.

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