The proposed closure of the Tshwane Refugee Reception Office could affect customer activity around the Pretoria facility, as the government considers relocating some refugee reception services to the Beitbridge border post.
The proposal forms part of changes to South Africa’s refugee reception system published by the Department of Home Affairs in Government Gazette 55655 on 30 October 2026.
The proposals include the disestablishment of the Tshwane office, the establishment of a new Refugee Reception Office at Beitbridge and reporting requirements for a specified category of asylum seekers.
The public has until 30 November 2026 to submit comments on the proposed changes.
The Tshwane Refugee Reception Office serves asylum seekers and refugees in Gauteng, North West, Limpopo and Mpumalanga.
People visiting the facility may also use nearby businesses for services such as internet access, online applications, document printing, photocopying and passport photographs. Food vendors and transport operators may also serve people travelling to the office.
A change in the location of refugee reception services could therefore affect customer activity around the facility.
However, there are no verified figures showing how many businesses rely on customers visiting the office, what proportion of their revenue comes from this trade or how many jobs could be affected.
The proposed closure does not establish that businesses will lose income or shut down. The economic implications will depend on the final decision and the arrangements made for people who currently access services in Tshwane.
Home Affairs outlines reasons for changes
The Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration said the proposals form part of the government’s efforts to strengthen migration management and improve the administration of asylum applications.
The committee said the proposed changes are intended to improve identity verification, strengthen biometric screening, enhance security checks and support more efficient processing of asylum claims.
The proposed Beitbridge office would bring some refugee reception functions closer to a major port of entry.
The reporting requirements would apply to a specified category of asylum seekers for services including registration, documentation, adjudication, permit renewals and updating of records.
The committee said “the proposals do not alter the legal rights and protections available to asylum seekers under South African law.”
It also indicated that affected individuals would receive information about the relevant categories, implementation dates, transitional arrangements and reporting procedures.
Businesses, refugee-support organisations, community groups and members of the public can submit representations to Home Affairs before the November 30 deadline.
