Caught in a gap? An examination and human rights assessment of immigration detention laws and practices in South Africa
Date
2013-03-19
Authors
Tay, Roanna
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Abstract
Abstract: This study examines the laws and practices relating to immigration detention in South Africa. It provides an in-depth examination of the legislation, with reference to known state practices and cases where migrants have been subjected to prolonged and repeated periods of immigration detention. The study highlights gaps in South African law that
contribute to certain categories of migrants being especially vulnerable to immigration detention. Four categories are identified: (1) asylum seekers; (2) persons with difficulty obtaining travel documents; (3) stateless person; and (4) persons subject to other prohibitions against refoulement. The study offers recommendations for legislative reforms to fill the gaps in the law that contribute to these migrants’ vulnerability to immigration detention
Description
Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Laws
Keywords
Law, Human rights, Migration, Forced migration, Refugees, Deportation, Detention, South Africa