> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.fraudcheck.co.za/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.fraudcheck.co.za/product/products/verification/identity/asylum-seeker-refugee.md). # Asylum seeker and refugee verification Confirms a refugee or asylum seeker's identity and permit status against official immigration records. Confirms a refugee or asylum seeker's identity against South Africa's National Immigration Information System (NIIS), matching a NIIS file number and name against official immigration records. One request returns verified biographic details, file and permit status, a risk assessment and, where available, the official facial image. ## How it works Each request is matched against official immigration records held on NIIS. Results can be retrieved again later, either in full or as a short summary of verification status, risk outcome, screening result and time. ## What it returns A match outcome and a screening result; the person's biographic details from the official record (name, date of birth, gender, age, country of origin, nationality); file status; permit number and expiry date; a refugee ID number; a risk outcome; and, where available, the official facial image. ## Inputs required The person's NIIS file number, first name, last name and cell number. A second name and email address are optional. ## Data source The National Immigration Information System (NIIS), Department of Home Affairs. ## Consent and permissible purpose Consent from the data subject is mandatory: requests without it are rejected. You keep the proof of consent. See [Consent and permissible use](/product/overview/how-it-works/consent.md). ## Channels Portal and API. For request and response detail, see the [API reference](https://developer.fraudcheck.co.za/consumer-service/identity/asylum-seeker-refugee-verification). ## Outcomes * **Match outcome**: Match, Partial match or No match. * **Screening result**: Accept or Reject. * **File status**: Approved, Pending, Rejected, Withdrawn, Expired or Unknown. * **Risk outcome**: Low, Medium, High or Unknown risk. ## Turnaround Near real-time, typically 2–5 seconds. ## When to use it Verifying a refugee's NIIS file number and permit, confirming permit status and expiry during onboarding, retrieving the official facial image for KYC records, or applying a risk assessment to refugee applicants in AML and KYC workflows. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters: ``` GET https://docs.fraudcheck.co.za/product/products/verification/identity/asylum-seeker-refugee.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.