Home Affairs has revoked a directive that allowed refugee offices to accept asylum applications from anyone entering without prior documentation. The decision follows violent protests in Durban and Soweto, where demonstrators targeted immigration offices and local businesses. At least 11 cars were torched in the Durban CBD during the unrest.
The directive, issued earlier this month, instructed refugee offices to accept all asylum seekers arriving at their doors. Home Affairs stated it will now initiate a new process to align with a Constitutional Court ruling from July 7. The court found the Refugees Act flawed and ordered changes to improve compliance with international obligations.
The protests erupted after the directive was implemented, with demonstrators accusing the government of facilitating illegal immigration. Police reported that foreign nationals at the Home Affairs offices in Durban were evacuated for safety. Firefighters responded to the fires but could not fully restore order as protesters remained in the area.
The directive was part of a broader effort to streamline asylum processes, but it sparked controversy among activists and community leaders. Critics argued it undermined existing legal frameworks and increased public fear of immigration. The government has not yet announced a replacement policy, leaving refugee offices in a state of uncertainty.
The situation reflects ongoing tensions around immigration policy in South Africa, where balancing national security with humanitarian obligations remains a challenge. The protests highlight the deep divisions in public opinion and the need for clearer legal guidelines.
