The Department of Home Affairs has withdrawn an operational directive on asylum applications after violence in Soweto and Durban left at least 24 vehicles torched and businesses affected on Thursday, 8 October 2026. The directive had been issued to Refugee Reception Offices on 28 September following a Constitutional Court judgment on access to the asylum process. Home Affairs said on Friday, 9 October, that its immediate attempt to implement the judgment overwhelmed reception offices, placed officials at risk and led to serious public safety concerns.