South Africa withdraws asylum directive after violent protests

South Africa has withdrawn a directive that told officials how to process asylum applications.

The decision followed violent protests in Soweto, part of Johannesburg, and in Durban on Thursday.

Protesters opposed processing applications after a Constitutional Court ruling said people could not be excluded from applying solely because of procedural issues, such as entering the country unlawfully.

The ruling does not automatically give applicants refugee status or permanent residence; officials must consider each claim.

Home Affairs said reception offices were overwhelmed within days, putting staff at risk and raising public safety concerns.

Police said 10 vehicles were burned in Soweto and 14 in Durban, while foreign-owned shops were looted.

The court ruling remains binding, and the department says it will develop a new way to implement it, but has not said what temporary arrangements will apply or when new instructions will come.