South Africa suspends asylum applications after anti migrant protests

South Africa has suspended asylum applications after recent anti-migrant protests caused widespread unrest across the country, France 24 reported. Calls for a crackdown on foreign nationals, specifically undocumented migrants, have led to heightened tensions and occasional violence, according to the outlet. [1]

As FTMQ News reported earlier, the government previously halted the asylum application system after a court ruling required officials to process foreign nationals, which triggered demonstrations outside public offices. Anti-migrant demonstrations turned violent in Durban and Soweto, where protesters targeted refugee centres, torched vehicles, and forced businesses to close. [14][15]

The latest suspension leaves many people who were attempting to follow legal channels in limbo regarding their paperwork and status in the country, France 24 reported. [1]

South Africa has a population of over 63 million people and covers nine provinces, with Pretoria acting as the administrative capital and Cape Town serving as the seat of Parliament. The nation faces structural economic challenges, including official unemployment rates exceeding 33 percent and persistent issues with violent crime. [12][13]