South Africa to launch biometric asylum platform on November 10

South Africa's Department of Home Affairs plans to launch a biometric online asylum application platform by November 10. The system will verify identities, passports and prior immigration violations, aiming to speed processing amid a backlog of about 120,000 asylum appeals.

• Biometric asylum platform launch set for November 10
• Home Affairs estimates a backlog of around 120,000 appeals
• Initial applications processed in about 30 days; appeals cause delays
• 74 advocates brought in to speed up pending appeals