2. immigration status: Raquelle can apply for permanent residence by an exemption – this is a measure of last resort because she has no claim to South African citizenship and does not have an asylum claim. Raquelle needs to submit an application to the DHA with the following supporting documents: • • • • • • 3. affidavit or statement of facts highlighting “special circumstances” these can include the fact that she is a vulnerable orphaned child, she has no other pathways to documentation or legal status in South Africa (risk of statelessness), and it would not be in her best interest to repatriate her to Mozambique as she has no family or support there and considers South Africa her home; birth certificate (if available); parents’ documentation (if available); proof of living in South Africa can include but not be limited to; school records (e.g. CEMIS report from the provincial Department of Education); typically, applications for permits or visas under the Immigration Act require a passport – this is something an undocumented child will not have, but the DHA Form 48 permits you to apply for a waiver of prescribed requirements that the applicant cannot meet; and complete online application form through the Visa Facilitation Centre (VFS) website and pay the application fee of R 1 350 to schedule an appointment online and once the application is submitted, a reference number will be issued and can be used to track the application on the VFS website (https://www.vfsglobal.com/ dha/southafrica/prp-exemptions.html); and Children’s Court processes: if there are any issues encountered during the process, remember that the child also protected by the Children’s Court and can be approached for an order in terms of Sec 45 or Sec 46 of the Children’s Act if the DHA refuses to assist with the permanent residence application.