South Africa withdraws asylum directive after anti-migrant violence
The department said the order overwhelmed refugee offices and created public safety risks, prompting a fresh review of asylum processing rules.
- On Friday, Home Affairs Director-General Tommy Makhode withdrew a September 28 directive on asylum seeker applications following violent anti-immigration protests in Durban and Soweto.
- The directive aimed to implement a July 7 Constitutional Court ruling in the Scalabrini Centre case, but The Department issued the measure without knowledge of the Minister or other political office-bearers.
- Thursday protests in Durban CBD turned violent, with at least 14 vehicles torched and businesses looted; Police fired rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.
- Refugee Reception Offices were overwhelmed by applicants within days, placing officials at risk. Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi welcomed the withdrawal as a relief creating consultation opportunities.
- The Department reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law and will develop a revised operational approach to ensure compliance with The Constitutional Court judgment.
24 Articles
24 Articles
Free Malaysia Today News
Mwanzo TVClashes lead South Africa to withdraw asylum processing order
South African protesters clashed with foreign nationals on Thursday as a court order to resume processing asylum applications reignited tensions over migration.
South Africa withdraws asylum directive after anti-migrant violence
South Africa's Department of Home Affairs said on Friday it had withdrawn a directive allowing the intake of asylum applications, a day after anti-migrant protests turned violent in Johannesburg and Durban.
Lesufi welcomes withdrawal of asylum directive after Soweto car burnings and violent protests
Speaking to journalists on Khumalo Street in Orlando West, Lesufi said the withdrawal created room for consultation and legislative changes without undermining the court’s judgment.
South Africa: Home Affairs Withdraws Asylum Directive After Violent Anti-Immigration Protests
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has withdrawn a directive on the intake of asylum applications following violent anti-immigration protests in Durban and Soweto, as the government seeks to find a way to implement a Constitutional Court ruling without further escalating tensions.
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