Image: Al Jama-ah’s MPL Maulana Galil Brinkhuis (5th from left) outside the Home Affairs Department in Epping Cape Town with the three families from Gaza in Palestine.
Three Palestinian families, who come from Gaza, faced deportation from South Africa; but as a
Result of Al Jama-ah’s timeous intervention, they had their refugee documents extended for
another three months.
It so happened that a Strand community member, who was made aware of the distressed families
that included 13 Gazans individuals including babies and young adults, reached out to MPL
(Member of Provincial Legislature) Maulana Galil Brinkhuis for assistance. Brinkhuis immediately
addressed the issue accompanying the families to the University of Cape Town; here the families
were assisted with legal advice and thereafter referred to the Home Affairs Department to apply
for an extension of their refugee status.
The families, who previously went to the Somerset Home Affairs Department to apply for an
extension on their refugee status, were bluntly told by an official that they must get their luggage
together as they would be deported.
After Al Jama-ah’s intervention, the relieved family described Brinkhuis as: “a blessing amongst them.”
Brinkhuis said the Home Affairs Department officials in Epping, who were very friendly and extremely
helpful, assisted the families.
They are expected to return within three months for another extension; thereafter, they may apply for
refugee status.