PRETORIA — The South African Cabinet has officially approved the Final White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration, and Refugee Protection, setting the stage for significant policy shifts in how the country handles these crucial issues.

According to South African Government News Agency, who addressed the media this Wednesday, the White Paper has undergone extensive public and governmental review to ensure comprehensive stakeholder engagement. “This document reflects the culmination of a detailed consultation process involving citizens, asylum seekers, refugees, public interest groups, and various governmental and international bodies,” Motsoaledi stated. The final approval was given on April 10, with the document subsequently published in the Government Gazette.

Dr. Motsoaledi highlighted that the process received a vast array of feedback, which played a critical role in shaping the final policies. Despite broad support for the White Paper, some public interest groups have expressed reservations about specific policy proposals, such as South Africa’s planned withdrawal and re-accession to the 1951 Refugee Convention and the 1967 Protocol with certain reservations, and changes to the national citizenship law.

The White Paper also outlines South Africa’s intention to revisit its commitments under various international treaties to better align with national interests and capacities. “Our goal is to exercise the permissible reservations under international law to ensure that our refugee and immigration policies are sustainable and within our capabilities,” explained Motsoaledi.

Further details and the complete text of the Final White Paper are available for public access in the Government Gazette.