Home Affairs flouts Citizenship Act

The Department of Home Affairs is rejecting applications for naturalisation, despite applicants meeting the requirements laid out by the South African Citizenship Act. Thousands of applicants are believed to be affected.

The Citizenship Act makes provision for people who have permanent SA residence permits and have been resident in the country for a period of five years, to apply for naturalisation.

However, the department introduced regulations that prescribe a period of 10 years and is rejecting applications that meet the criteria of the Act on the basis of these regulations.

Johan Lubbe, Managing Member of Immigration Boutique, says he estimates that tens of thousands of people have been affected. Lubbe’s clients who have been affected by the change in regulations are largely corporates. He says these people have had their hopes dashed and are being victimised.