ANC MPs are calling for faster implementation of South Africa’s revised immigration framework as the country battles a refugee appeals backlog of more than 160,000 cases.
The Refugee Appeals Authority of South Africa has previously told Parliament that the backlog includes both active and inactive asylum appeals.
About 70,976 active cases were recorded at the end of 2025, while more than 90,000 other files have been classified as inactive because applicants are no longer in contact with authorities.
The backlog has developed over more than two decades, with some unresolved appeals dating back to 2008.
ANC MPs want reforms implemented
News24 reports that ANC MPs are pushing for implementation of the revised White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection as pressure builds on the asylum system.
Cabinet approved the revised policy earlier this year.
One of its most contested proposals is the “First Safe Country” principle. Under the policy, people who already received protection in another country, or travelled through designated safe countries before reaching South Africa, could be prevented from applying for asylum here.
The government says the approach is intended to reduce abuse of the asylum system while maintaining South Africa’s constitutional and international obligations.
Appeals system undergoing changes
Home Affairs has already introduced measures aimed at reducing the backlog.
The department appointed 40 additional advocates, increased daily hearings and introduced targeted processes for less complex cases.
During the 2025/26 financial year, 19,064 cases were removed from a ring-fenced backlog of 133,582 appeals through decisions, withdrawals and other finalisations.
Home Affairs says the changes resulted in the biggest reduction in active refugee appeals in years.
Reforms remain controversial
The wider immigration overhaul has faced scrutiny from refugee-rights organisations and legal experts over its potential impact on asylum seekers.
South Africa’s Constitutional Court has also recently considered provisions affecting access to refugee protection, reinforcing that immigration reforms must comply with constitutional safeguards and the principle against returning people to countries where they may face danger.
For lawmakers, the challenge is now balancing tighter immigration controls with a system capable of processing legitimate refugee claims quickly and lawfully.