Stateless – Born in SA - 18-Year-Old or Older Child of an Asylum Seeker or Refugee for Citizenship in South Africa

Children born in South Africa to parents who are asylum seekers or refugees qualify for South African citizenship upon reaching 18 years of age, under the South African Citizenship Act. Below is the detailed procedure:

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, the applicant must:
1. Birthplace and Residency:
o Be born in South Africa and have resided in the country from birth until the age of 18.

2. Legal Documentation:
o Be included in the parents' asylum seeker or refugee file and have maintained valid status throughout their residency..

3. Valid Birth Certificate :
o Have a birth certificate issued under the Births and Deaths Registration Act (BDRA) 51 of 1992.

Application Process
1. Compile Supporting Documents
o South African Birth Certificate:
o Issued at birth or during a late registration process.
o Proof of Residency in SA :
o Parental Documentation:
o Copies of the parents' valid asylum seeker or refugee permits.
o Language Proficiency:
o Certificates or letters confirming proficiency in an official South African language.
o Proof of Identity:

2. Attend an Interview:

o The applicant may be required to attend an interview at the DHA.

3. Receive Confirmation:

o If the application is approved, the applicant will receive a certificate of naturalization as proof of citizenship.

Key Considerations
1. Timeliness:
o Applications must be submitted after the child turns 18 and no later than a reasonable time afterward to ensure compliance with the law.

2. Accuracy:
o Ensure all forms are accurately filled out and documents are valid and up to date.

3. Statelessness Prevention:
o The procedure aims to prevent statelessness by providing a clear pathway to citizenship for children who meet the criteria.

Additional Assistance
If the process seems complex, applicants can seek help from:
• Legal aid organizations specializing in refugee and asylum seeker rights.
• Immigration consultants or lawyers such as ourselves familiar with South African citizenship laws.

How can we help you , please email us to info@samigration.com or whatsapp message me on: +27 82 373 8415, where are you now? check our website : www.samigration.com