As the Deputy is aware, under section 72 of the International Protection Act 2015 the Minister may make an order designating a country as a safe country of origin. In deciding to make such an order, the Minister must be satisfied that, on the basis of the legal situation, the application of the law within a democratic system and the general political circumstances, it can be shown that there is generally and consistently no persecution, no torture or inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and no threat by reason of indiscriminate violence in situations of international or internal armed conflict.
The following countries (which includes South Africa) were designated as safe countries of origin with effect from 16 April 2018 under the International Protection Act 2015 (Safe Countries of Origin) Order 2018:
• Albania;
• Bosnia and Herzegovina;
• Georgia;
• Kosovo;
• Macedonia (Former Yugoslav Republic of);
• Montenegro;
• Serbia; and
• South Africa.
The list of countries is kept under review in my Department.
On November 8 2022, the International Protection Office (IPO) introduced accelerated procedures for international protection applicants from safe countries of origin.
An applicant from a safe country of origin is afforded the opportunity to submit grounds, in writing and/or at interview, as to why their country is not safe for them and those grounds are given due consideration. Furthermore, all applicants have the right to appeal a negative recommendation by the IPO to the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT).
Overall, my Department is working to minimise the timeframe for receiving a decision on an international protection application, allowing those eligible to remain the opportunity to rebuild their lives. Those who are not entitled to the protection of the State will also be advised of that fact as quickly as possible.