The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service or the National Director of Public Prosecutions may assist a foreign victim of trafficking who has in any manner rendered assistance to either the South African Police Service or the National Prosecuting Authority before or during any criminal proceedings, to apply for the rights of permanent residence in terms of section 31(2)(b) of the Immigration Act, if, as a result of that victim’s assistance he or she may be harmed or killed if he or she is repatriated to his or her country of origin or the country from where he or she has been trafficked.