Refugee Status Determination Officer

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to function as a Refugee Status Determination Officer (RSDO). An RSDO adjudicates asylum seeking applications to determine and grant or reject refugee status in accordance with the Refugees Act, 1998 (Act no 130 of 1998 as amended in 2017) and its regulations of 2000 with all the amendments. RSDOs distinguish fraudulent applications, detect identity theft and refer fraudulent applications for investigation, thus strengthening the national security, protecting the sovereignty of the state and communities from potentially corrupt individuals and abuse of asylum processes. Typical graduate attributes the learner will acquire include critical analysis, critical thinking, good communication skills and non-adversarial demeanour towards asylum seekers and refugees. A qualified learner will be able to: • Authenticate asylum seeker applications using various techniques to identify authentic versus fraudulent documentation. • Process asylum seeker applications and determine refugee status in compliance with legal prescripts. • Execute general administrative duties and responsibilities related to refugee status determination. • Execute refugee reception duties in compliance with legal prescripts.

States that are party to the 1951 Refugee Convention and/or do have a fair and efficient national asylum procedure in place, have the primary responsibility to conduct Refugee Status Determination (RSD). International refugee protection in Africa is governed by the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) Convention, which in itself is a humanitarian response to the individual as well as the mass character of the refugee phenomenon in Africa. Globally, international refugee protection is governed by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). The UNHCR also ensures the integrity of resettlement operations by creating and implementing anti-fraud mechanisms and processes. Asylum seeking and refugee status are a growing global phenomenon, impacting severely on host countries. The growing need for international protection and compliance with international human rights obligations, requires state parties to the Convention to put measures in place to build capacity in terms of the asylum-seeking and refugee adjudication systems, hence the identified need to ensure that Refugee Status Determination Officers (RSDOs) provide relevant and professional services in compliance with international standards and obligations. Refugee influx and settlements can have a negative and positive impact on the economy and society of the host country. Host countries can positively benefit from skilled asylum seekers and refugees and diversity of cultures, strengthening national brain gain and economic development. On the other hand, asylum and international protection, if not properly managed, can lead to the abuse of asylum management system, straining public and private services, displacing nationals from the employment market and undermine social cohesion. It is within this context that the RSDO plays an important role in the adjudication of applications for asylum from persons fleeing persecutions from their countries of origin, in need of international protection. It is important that RSDOs must apply risk-based approach when examining applications, documentations and undertake interviews to adjudicate asylum seekers' applications consistently with relevant national legislations and international law. RSDOs must ensure that RSD related services, reception, registration and decision making are carried out in compliance with international conventions and treaties. The Higher Occupational Certificate: Refugee Status Determination Officer at NQF Level 5 has been specifically designed for the South African Department of Home Affairs (DHA) officials. This qualification is aimed at learners employed as RSDOs and those who intend to pursue a career specifically within the refugee affairs discipline. It provides learners with opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the broader constituencies of the Safety in Society community that will contribute to providing a safe and secure environment for all the people in the Republic of South Africa. Even though RSDOs currently employed at DHA are the main target group, as the need arises, unemployed youth may also enrol to serve the aims of the National Development Plan (NDP). Other registered qualifications related to administrative functions at NQF Level 5 are generic in nature, while this occupational qualification is a fit-for-purpose qualification ensuring that learners develop an in-depth understanding of the national and international legislation and conventions; risks associated with this occupation and that the Sovereignty of State is maintained. The DHA is the only Department mandated in terms of legislation to provide this service in compliance with South Africa's international obligation. Learning typical pathways provided by this qualification will enable learners the opportunity for professional development and career advancement within the broader constituencies of the Safety in Society through further studies in the area of Paralegal Practice and Policing.These learners will contribute to providing a safe and secure environment for all the people in the Republic of South Africa. Refugee Status Determination Officers can also embark on a management career in immigration services and support the desired organisational transformation and positively influence service delivery.

• Conduct refugee status determination functions in compliance with the prescripts of the legislative framework.
• Authenticate and process asylum seeker applications for refugee status determination in accordance with the prescripts of the legislative framework.
• Conduct general administration functions in terms of the Refugees Act and other legislations ensuring safe-keeping of confidential information and face-value documentation.
• Implement work processes in accordance with the principles of Batho-Pele, ensuring professionalism, code of conduct and ethics.