South Africa's immigration crisis: Who is really to blame? (Hint, it's not the immigrant)

On Friday, South Africa's Department of Home Affairs announced the withdrawal of a directive that permitted the processing of asylum applications, following the outbreak of violent protests targeting migrants in Johannesburg and Durban. The directive aimed to implement a July 7 Constitutional Court ruling, which prohibited the denial of asylum seekers' access to South Africa's asylum system based on procedural grounds, such as illegal entry.

Home Affairs explained that the directive, issued as an operational measure, had led to a significant burden on refugee reception offices. The implementation overwhelmed the offices, placed officials in danger, and raised concerns about public safety and stability. The government attributed the unrest to disinformation surrounding the court's ruling, emphasizing that the decision did not guarantee refugees permanent residence or other legal rights.

South Africa, the largest economy in Africa, has been grappling with a surge in anti-immigrant protests that have strained diplomatic ties with other African nations and compelled thousands of foreigners to leave the country. Migrants are frequently blamed for issues such as unemployment, crime, and pressure on public services, claims that social scientists contend lack empirical support.

In Durban, rioters set ablaze 14 vehicles on Thursday, while 10 vehicles were torched in Johannesburg's Soweto township. Foreign-owned businesses were also targeted and looted. Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, a senior police official, reported to a press briefing on Friday that calm had returned to the area. In Durban, police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda confirmed that the situation had stabilized, crediting a prompt police response with averting further damage.