💨 Abstract

South Africa is adopting a merit-based citizenship system through a newly approved White Paper. The Revised White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration, and Refugee Protection introduces a points-based pathway to citizenship, replacing the current system that primarily relies on residency duration. This reform aims to improve transparency and efficiency. Additionally, the White Paper proposes stricter refugee policies, including the "First Safe Country Principle," which would deny asylum to those who have already found protection in another country or passed through safe countries.

Courtesy: Nick Pawson