What do we do about the fact that most car guards from the DRC have qualifications we could never anticipate? While many refugees can’t speak English, they are well-educated individuals who have had to give up their homes and lives to “avoid unrest” (to put it lightly) in their home country. We should not only be passing them small change through our windows, we should be weeping at their tales of heartache. I dare you to ask someone their story before you pass over the change.
The world of refugee’s in South Africa
When an asylum seeker (refugee) arrives in South Africa, they have 10 days to report to the refugee office/ home affairs, before they are classified as illegal. They are then given temporary asylum seeker papers. These are supposed to be interim papers, while refugee status is applied for. PROBLEM- the period for processing of refugee applications is between 3 months and 3 years. PROBLEM- few refugees arrive with any luggage, let alone money to start a life. Asylum papers only last 3 months but you can “work and study”. PROBLEM- few people will employ someone who has to take a day off work every three months to renew their papers.
Once a date is set for an interview, a refugee can compile their case as to why they left home and why they should not be forced to go home. Genocide, civil war, famine, militia army invasions, rape and threat of death or wrongful imprisonment are some of the reasons that qualify. PROBLEM- refugees are often traumatised, homeless and alone when they arrive in South Africa. PROBLEM- few are fluent in English or any of the other 11 official languages.
Once a refugee’s case has been heard, they will either be granted refugee status, or deported. PROBLEM- this is a merciless process. For those who are identified as ‘genuine asylum seekers’ – refugee status is granted. Refugees can both study and work with Refugee status. Security jobs or jobs requiring police clearance are no longer possible for refugees to work. PROBLEM- many refugees are employed illegally, below minimum wage and in dire conditions. Many professions require permanent residence, which means that South Africa can’t absorb skilled labour.
South Africa has a major shortage of nursing staff and doctors. Yet refugees are not allowed to take the tests to transfer their skills until they have permanent residence. What if we changed giving skilled asylum seekers refugee papers, to giving the skilled Visa’s. That would mean they could transfer their skills. Imagine a world of productivity, out of heartache. Instead of just filling up the car parks.
After 5 years as a refugee in South Africa, they can apply for permanent residence. PROBLEM- If however, you have lived in South Africa for 5 years and your home country is once again peaceful- you may not stay in South Africa and will be forged to return home.. PROBLEM- If you have made a happy life for yourself in SA after being chased away from your home, the government says: “well sorry, but you have to go”.
They say people will make the same movies they made about Rwanda and Uganda, for the Congo. What will you tell your children you did during those years? Maybe we should be doing more than handing out loose change? How about training refugees as baristas? How about starting French call centres? Or maybe Training centres? French only R&D labs? Or changing medical worker policies? English schools? Something…
Kathryn Amm
July 12, 2011 at 13:04
Awesome story T. Well done!
matt
July 12, 2011 at 13:28
Yeah it really is heart breaking to consider how helpless and frustrated a refugee must feel. To just help one individual with a step up is all it takes, there is such a wealth of potential out there waiting to be utilised. Good post T
Talisa Jane McMillan
July 12, 2011 at 13:31
Ya, you are right Matt. I guess our challenge is not to get disheartened with the magnitude of the problem, and commit to help ONE person each. Just one. Share that wealth and opportunity a little.
Louise McMillan
July 12, 2011 at 18:33
Great article. On Saturday July 09 at the Cilli Lane Shopping Centre in Sunnunghill, Sandton, I met a car guard refugee from Congo Brazzaville. He told me that he has to pay the security company R24 per day for the priveledge of working as a car guard, and his earnings are derived from the tips of the customers parking at the centre. This is exploitation, as it appears that most of the guards are non-South Africans.
Baron
March 23, 2012 at 14:03
Its not only about refugees, even us, students who came from other countries, we do face the same problem. We completed our degrees here in south africa, but when is time to fine a company for internship, they want only south african Citizens. So why are they admitting foreign students in south african universities if they arent able to get into the necessary intership program?
Talisa Jane McMillan
May 22, 2012 at 08:27
This is a serious problem Baron, thank you for raising it. I hope that if you don’t win locally, perhaps there is a company back home willing to help you with your internship dilemma… ??? Good Luck.