For asylum in South Africa - WHAT NOT TO DO, if you do this you will get big problems: *1. Don't lie or change your story* What you say on Day 1 (Form DHA-1590) must be same on Day 2 interview. If you change dates, places, or reasons, they will mark you as lying and reject you. *2. Don't use fake passport, fake ID, fake Section 23* If they catch fake documents, you are banned from asylum for 5 years and you can be charged criminally. *3. Don't miss your renewal date* Your Section 22 must be renewed BEFORE it expires. If you stay with expired permit, police can arrest you and Home Affairs charges R1000+ fine. Set reminder on phone. *4. Don't go to another RRO to renew* Renew ONLY where you first applied. If you go to different office they will send you back. *5. Don't pay anyone outside the gate* Application is FREE. Those guys outside saying "pay R500 I will help you inside" are scammers. Inside you get help for free. *6. Don't go back to your home country* If you are asylum seeker and you go back to the country you said is persecuting you, your case will be closed immediately. You also cannot travel outside SA. *7. Don't lose your original permit and file number* Don't throw paper away. Take photo of it, make 3 photocopies, and memorize your file number. Without file number you will suffer at RRO. *8. Don't be rude or fight at RRO* Don't shout at officers, don't fight in queue. They can remove you from office and you lose your turn. Just be patient, even if you wait 10 hours. *9. Don't apply at normal Home Affairs branch* Local Home Affairs (where South Africans get IDs) will NOT help you. Only 5 Refugee Offices can help you. *10. Don't stay without applying* Don't stay in SA for months without asylum permit. If police stop you, you will be taken to Lindela detention center. Apply within first days you arrive. - @ofentseangelmohale