The NIIS file number starts the check
Use the authorised South African refugee or asylum file number as the lookup key.
Refugee and asylum ID verification
Verify refugee and asylum ID records.
Use an authorised South African NIIS file number to confirm whether the identity source returns a matching refugee or asylum record. Receive the available names, biographical details, record photograph, expiry information, source outcome, report reference and authenticated PDF in one report.
Run a single check from the dashboard or connect the external API to an onboarding workflow. Every completed result includes a report reference and authenticated PDF.
Use the identity result for the source check. Review the current original document when assessing immigration status or work rights.
The source returns the outcome
See the match result and request status.
Available identity fields follow
Review the personal details and record photograph supplied for the matching record.
The report creates an audit trail
Save the check time, unique report reference and authenticated PDF with the case.
Sample report
What the full report shows before you run it.
This fictional sample follows the report you receive after a completed check. It records the submitted file number, match outcome, request status, report reference, and check time. When the source returns identity data, the report presents each available field in one reviewable document.
- NIIS file number and match outcome
- Names, birth date, gender and nationality
- Record expiry, secondary ID and source photograph
- Source result, timestamp and report reference
Fictional preview
Identity record found
MATCHAuthenticated PDF
Sample report with fictional identity data and reference numbers
Refugee and Asylum ID Verification Report
South Africa identity-source verification
Date: 2026/07/27
Time: 11:00:00
Report reference: ••••••••
Identifies this lookup and is separate from the refugee file number.
Identity record found
The identity source found the submitted NIIS file number and returned the available identity details.
Identity details returned by the source
Available fields depend on the source record.
Record photograph
Verified file number
••••••••
Full name
••••••••
First name
••••••••
Last name
••••••••
Date of birth
••••••••
Gender
F
Nationality
COD
Record expiry date
2028-09-30
Secondary ID number
••••••••
Request status
Approved
Match type
Full Match
Identification number
Verified
Personal information
Returned
Issuing state
ZA
ID type
REFUGEE_ID
Service
South Africa - Refugee and Asylum ID
Purpose of this report
This report records the identity details returned after the source found the submitted NIIS refugee or asylum file number.
Employment and document checks
Use this report as evidence of the identity-source check. For employment checks, apply the rule for the document held. A recognised refugee has the right to seek employment under section 27(f) of the Refugees Act. For an asylum seeker, inspect the original current Section 22 visa for a work endorsement and its conditions. Section 22(9) requires the employer to send Home Affairs the prescribed employment letter within 14 days after work starts. Retain the required document and employment records.
Separate identity and document checks
Africa ID Verification is available when the person also holds a national ID from a supported country. Document Verification covers supported identity documents. A selfie or liveness check can connect the person to the returned record photograph.
Report guidance
How to use the result.
Keep the report with the records for the process that required the check. Pair the returned photograph with selfie or liveness verification when the person must be connected to the source record.
Employment guidance: Refugees Act 130 of 1998, sections 22 and 27(f) and the Refugees Regulations.
What is included in the identity verification report?
The VerifyNow report shows the verification outcome, report reference and check time. A successful identity lookup can also return the verified NIIS file number, names, date of birth, gender, nationality, record expiry date, secondary ID number and a record photograph. Available identity fields depend on the source record.
Why does the check ask for an NIIS file number?
The NIIS file number is the lookup key for the refugee or asylum identity record. VerifyNow uses the returned source response to build the identity verification report.
How should an employer use the result?
Use the report for the identity-source check. A recognised refugee has the right to seek employment under section 27(f) of the Refugees Act. For an asylum seeker, inspect the original current Section 22 visa for a work endorsement and its conditions. Section 22(9) requires the employer to send Home Affairs the prescribed employment letter within 14 days after work starts.
How can the returned photograph be used?
Use a selfie, face match or liveness check to compare the person completing the process with the record photograph returned by the identity source.
Ready to check a record?
Run a refugee or asylum ID verification from your dashboard.
Enter the authorised NIIS file number, review the returned identity details and download the authenticated report for your records.