Refugees Amendment Act signed

Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has signed into law the Refugees Amendment Act 2015.

The Act seeks to amend the Refugees Act, 1998, so as to confer a discretion upon the Refugees Appeals Authority to allow the public and the media access to its proceedings in appropriate cases.

It further provides that this discretion conferred on the Refugee Appeals Authority is exercised with due regard to relevant factors, such as whether the asylum seeker consents to such third party's attendance or access; or whether it is in the public interest to allow such attendance or reporting after taking into account all relevant factors. – SAnews.gov.za