The Minister of Home Affairs, Malusi Gigaba will on Friday, 19 October 2018, officially open the Port Elizabeth Refugee Reception Centre.

 

In 2011, the Department of Home Affairs announced the decision to close the Port Elizabeth Refugee Reception Centre for new asylum applicants due to, among other things, intensified pressure from the local business community in the vicinity.

 

The new office will provide adequate accommodation with which to extend better services to persons with legitimate claims. It has a streamlined process flow; open spaces; baby-changing stations; and multiple ablution facilities. Provision has also been made to accommodate the Standing Committee for Refugee Affairs, Appeal Board hearings and immigration inspectorate facilities.