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PE Refugee Office ruling ‘being studied’

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The Department of Home Affairs says it has noted the ruling passed by the Constitutional Court in relation to an appeal against an earlier decision by the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA).

The matter relates to the closing of the Port Elizabeth Refugee Reception Office by the department.

In the earlier judgement, the SCA declared the decision to close the office unlawful and ordered that Home Affairs Director General Mkuseli Apleni deliver monthly reports on steps taken to ensure compliance.

“We are in the process of studying the Constitutional Court ruling and we will make an announcement in due course.

“… We wish to reaffirm our respect for the judicial system and reassure that any decision taken by the department will have to be in line with the Constitution while taking operational implications of the ruling into consideration,” the department said.

The court’s ruling stems from the lack of consultation undertaken in the decision to close the Port Elizabeth Refugee Reception Office and ignoring previous court orders.

The office was closed in 2011, severely curtailing refugee services for the majority of the asylum seeker population due to long distances that applicants must travel to continuously renew their permits. – SAnews.gov.za

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.