"Some refugees and asylum seekers, including women and children, have been gathering in front of [the agency's] offices in Pretoria and Cape Town since [Tuesday]. We acknowledge the issues they raised, including employment and self-reliance, documentation, and personal security concerns," said the organisation.   

It said it was working "closely" with the South African government to continue providing protection through the issuance of appropriate identity documentation and to facilitate access to health care, education and employment opportunities for all refugees and asylum seekers. 

The agency and its partner organisations had also increased their capacity to meet immediate needs as well as engage with persons of concern through community outreach activities.  

"We are grateful to the South African government for the on-going collaboration with UNHCR in the provision of international protection to those in need as well as finding immediate and long-term solutions for refugees and asylum seekers - most living in host communities who also face many socio-economic challenges." 

South Africa hosts close to 268,000 refugees and asylum seekers, mainly from Somalia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Ethiopia, among others.

ANA