The [Department of Home Affairs](https://www.dha.gov.za) announced on Friday that it is withdrawing a short‑term directive that had permitted asylum seekers to lodge applications despite procedural irregularities. The move comes a day after violent anti‑migrant demonstrations in Johannesburg’s Soweto township and Durban resulted in the burning of dozens of vehicles and the looting of shops owned by foreign nationals.
**What triggered the reversal?**
The directive was originally issued to comply with a July 7 ruling by the [Constitutional Court](https://www.concourt.org.za) which held that asylum seekers could not be excluded from the system solely because they entered the country irregularly. Officials said the measure quickly overwhelmed refugee reception centres, putting staff at risk and threatening public order.
**How extensive was the unrest?**
During Thursday’s clashes, rioters set fire to 14 vehicles in Durban and 10 in Soweto, while also targeting foreign‑owned retail outlets. Police reported that the violence was fueled by misinformation about the court decision, which does not automatically confer refugee status, permanent residency, or other legal rights to undocumented migrants.
**What did authorities say?**
Lt‑Gen. Puleng Dimpane, a senior police officer, told a press briefing near the charred wreckage in Soweto that calm had been restored. In Durban, police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda added that a rapid response had prevented further damage and that the situation was now stabilised.
The incident underscores rising anti‑immigrant sentiment in the region, with South Africa—Africa’s largest economy—facing increasing pressure from similar protests that have strained diplomatic ties with neighbouring countries.