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File image: South African passport.
The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) is questioning the arrival of 153 Palestinian refugees in South Africa, citing potential breaches of immigration laws.
The group arrived at OR Tambo International Airport last week.
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola reportedly intervened to allow them to enter the country.
ACDP Deputy President Wayne Thring has lamented what he refers to as lax immigration laws in the country.
“South Africa has very lax laws, which allow for an individual who is seeking refugee status in South Africa to first come into the country, and once in the country, they have five days or so to actually apply for refugee status, and depending on the circumstance, that particular status can be given.”
Thring adds: “I think that this is a bit of a loophole because in many other countries, you have to apply before actually coming into the country, which allows the country to actually vet you. But in South Africa, criminals from anywhere, and I’m not necessarily referring to the Palestinian criminals, can actually come into South Africa and apply for refugee status.”
