South Africa Halts New Asylum Policy After Protests

South Africa has stopped accepting additional asylum applications following violent protests involving torched cars and looted shops. The government cited safety concerns for processing staff as the primary reason.

Riots occurred after the Constitutional Court ruled that the country should process asylum claims from individuals who entered illegally, failed to declare their intention at the border, or did not visit a refugee office within five days. This decision prompted demonstrations in Durban and parts of Johannesburg on Thursday. Protesters targeted ‘spaza shops’ run by foreigners and set at least 24 vehicles on fire, according to local reports.

The Department of Home Affairs opposed the court’s order and on Friday suspended its implementation. Officials reported being overwhelmed by the asylum directive within days. The department expressed concerns over public safety and officials’ well-being.

Plans are underway to create a new strategy that complies with the court’s order. Immigration remains a divisive topic in South Africa, especially for people arriving from neighboring nations like Zimbabwe and Malawi. This tension has repeatedly sparked riots, sometimes resulting in fatalities. Earlier this year, anti-foreigner protests in Durban claimed at least four lives.

This story remains in progress; additional updates will follow.