South Africa: Regulation for Naturalization of Children of Asylum Seekers and Refugees Implemented
June 29, 2023
Effective immediately, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has implemented a regulation permitting children of asylum seekers and refugees who were born in South Africa to naturalize when they reach the age of 18. When applying for naturalization, eligible individuals should include the following documents: a copy of proof of birth from a health facility, or, for individuals not born at a health facility, an affidavit signed by anyone present at the birth of the child; original copies of their parent’s asylum seeker visa or refugee status; a school report or letter from the principal where the child was registered for grade 1; proof of residence in South Africa since birth; and biometrics, among others. While this provision existed for years in South African law, it was never transposed into a DHA regulation and therefore was never implemented in practice. As a result, these individuals, when applying for naturalization, were required to provide an affidavit detailing the reasons why they were requesting citizenship along with proof of being registered in terms of the law regulating births and deaths in South Africa. The new regulations will ensure that children of asylum seekers or refugees who were born in South Africa do not become stateless.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen
Video
#FragomenFC co-hosts are joined by Senior Associate Tuğba Özyakup and her cousin, Oğuzhan ("Ozzy") Özyakup, a professional footballer who has competed at the highest levels of the sport.
Blog post
Social Security Manager Gufran Al Bash provides a comprehensive guide to the GCC pension framework, detailing monthly contributions, employer responsibilities and compliance requirements.
Media mentions
Partner David Crawford discusses how Canada’s new Liberal government could bring more predictable immigration policies focused on labour needs.
Awards
Fragomen and Partner Rahul Soni were honored at the Invest In the USA (IIUSA) I-829 & I-526 Awards Ceremony in Houston, Texas, during the 2025 IIUSA EB-5 Industry Forum held from April 28-30, 2025.
Blog post
Partner Christian Dallman discusses how the automotive industry is navigating significant challenges related to tariffs, talent shortages and trade dynamics, marking a critical moment for its future.
Awards
Partner Cosmina Morariu of Fragomen in Canada received the Ecosystem Builder Award as part of the inaugural Semiconductor Achievement Awards, hosted by Canada’s Semiconductor Council.
Media mentions
Partner Rick Lamanna emphasises the need for long-term planning and consistent leadership to restore confidence in Canada’s immigration system.
Blog post
Partner Azeem Mohiuddin discusses how Qatar is implementing a strategic vision to develop a workforce that is prepared for future challenges and opportunities, highlighting the role of skilled migration in addressing gaps in the local workforce.
Media mentions
Partners Aaron Blumberg and Daniel Pierce discuss the SEVIS reversal and the continued challenges US international students may face.
Video
Practice Leader Kate Praphakornphiphat discusses Thailand’s Digital Nomad Visa—officially known as the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)—and how you can apply for it.
Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg explains that children of H-1B visa holders must secure a new legal status or leave the US when their H-4 dependent visas expire at age 21.
Media mentions
Partner Kevin Miner discusses unusual biometrics requests in H-1B and I-140 cases, noting they depart from standard practice.
Video
#FragomenFC co-hosts are joined by Senior Associate Tuğba Özyakup and her cousin, Oğuzhan ("Ozzy") Özyakup, a professional footballer who has competed at the highest levels of the sport.
Blog post
Social Security Manager Gufran Al Bash provides a comprehensive guide to the GCC pension framework, detailing monthly contributions, employer responsibilities and compliance requirements.
Media mentions
Partner David Crawford discusses how Canada’s new Liberal government could bring more predictable immigration policies focused on labour needs.
Awards
Fragomen and Partner Rahul Soni were honored at the Invest In the USA (IIUSA) I-829 & I-526 Awards Ceremony in Houston, Texas, during the 2025 IIUSA EB-5 Industry Forum held from April 28-30, 2025.
Blog post
Partner Christian Dallman discusses how the automotive industry is navigating significant challenges related to tariffs, talent shortages and trade dynamics, marking a critical moment for its future.
Awards
Partner Cosmina Morariu of Fragomen in Canada received the Ecosystem Builder Award as part of the inaugural Semiconductor Achievement Awards, hosted by Canada’s Semiconductor Council.
Media mentions
Partner Rick Lamanna emphasises the need for long-term planning and consistent leadership to restore confidence in Canada’s immigration system.
Blog post
Partner Azeem Mohiuddin discusses how Qatar is implementing a strategic vision to develop a workforce that is prepared for future challenges and opportunities, highlighting the role of skilled migration in addressing gaps in the local workforce.
Media mentions
Partners Aaron Blumberg and Daniel Pierce discuss the SEVIS reversal and the continued challenges US international students may face.
Video
Practice Leader Kate Praphakornphiphat discusses Thailand’s Digital Nomad Visa—officially known as the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)—and how you can apply for it.
Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg explains that children of H-1B visa holders must secure a new legal status or leave the US when their H-4 dependent visas expire at age 21.
Media mentions
Partner Kevin Miner discusses unusual biometrics requests in H-1B and I-140 cases, noting they depart from standard practice.