samigration com Register an 18 Year Old or Older Child of an Asylum Seeker or Refugee for Citizens

Procedure to Register an 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 may apply 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. Language Proficiency: o Demonstrate proficiency in one of South Africa's official languages. 4. Registration of Birth: o Have a birth certificate issued under the Births and Deaths Registration Act (BDRA) 51 of 1992. Application Process 1. Obtain the Required Forms: 2. Compile Supporting Documents: Ensure the following documents are ready: o South African Birth Certificate:  Issued at birth or during a late registration process. o Proof of Residency:  School records, medical records, or other documentation proving continuous residence in South Africa from birth. o Parental Documentation:  Copies of the parents' valid asylum seeker or refugee permits. o Language Proficiency:  Certificates or letters confirming proficiency in an official South African language. o Proof of Identity: 3. Submit the Application: 4. Pay the Application Fee: 5. Attend an Interview: o The applicant may be required to attend an interview at the DHA. During this process, language proficiency and residency requirements may be verified. 6. 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 familiar with South African citizenship laws. • How can we help you , please email us to [email protected] or whatsapp message me on: +27 82 373 8415, where are you now? check our website : www.samigration.com