PRETORIA - The Department of Home Affairs has withdrawn a directive issued on 28 September concerning the intake of asylum seeker applications.
The directive followed a Constitutional Court judgment delivered on 7 July in the Scalabrini Centre of Cape Town matter. The decision sparked violent protests in Durban and Soweto.
According to the department, the directive was intended as an operational measure to implement the court’s order. It was issued without the knowledge or involvement of the Home Affairs Minister or any other political office-bearer.
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The department has rejected claims that the decision was politically motivated, stating that the directive stemmed from a Constitutional Court case it had opposed.
However, implementing the judgment reportedly led to unforeseen challenges, with refugee reception offices becoming overwhelmed within days of the directive being issued.
The department also raised concerns about risks to Home Affairs officials, as well as emerging threats to public safety and order.
In response, the department will begin a new process to determine the most appropriate and sustainable operational approach to complying with the court’s order.
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