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.
57 Articles
57 Articles
New anti-migrant protests are resuming in South Africa. The government announced the withdrawal of a circular on asylum applications, but the announcement did not appease the protestors' anger.
Migrant Policy Withdrawn in South Africa After Violent Riots
South Africa's Department of Home Affairs (DHA) said the policy produced serious consequences that could not have been foreseen and placed DHA officials at risk. The decision marks a retreat by the department, which had opposed the court's order. Constitutional Court Ordered Broader Asylum Consideration After the ruling, the department said it would begin a new process to develop an approach to comply with the order. The Constitutional Court had…
In the hope of easing tensions, the Government announced this Friday the repeal of the directive to allow time to review its asylum registration system, but its efforts were in vain.
At least 24 vehicles were set on fire in riots against migrants in Soweto near Johannesburg and Durban on Thursday, and foreigners' shops were looted. The South African Ministry of Internal Affairs withdrew a controversial directive for asylum applications on Friday, but things are not calm yet.
Clashes lead S Africa to withdraw asylum orders
The South African government yesterday said it had withdrawn an order on the processing of asylum applications that led to clashes between foreign nationals and anti-migrant locals.Violence erupted in Johannesburg’s Soweto and Durban on Thursday, with several cars torched and small foreign-run store
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