The South African government has withdrawn a directive requiring refugee reception offices to process asylum applications following violent anti-immigration protests in Johannesburg and Durban that left vehicles burnt, shops looted and public property damaged.

The Department of Home Affairs announced the reversal on Friday, citing serious security concerns and the overwhelming response to the directive, which prompted large numbers of asylum seekers to visit refugee reception centres within days of its implementation.

The directive was introduced following a Constitutional Court ruling that declared certain procedural restrictions on asylum applications unconstitutional. However, its implementation triggered renewed tensions between foreign nationals and groups opposed to illegal immigration.

Violence broke out on Thursday in Soweto, Johannesburg, and Durban, a major port city on South Africa’s east coast, following demonstrations organised by anti-immigration groups.

In Durban, at least 14 vehicles were set ablaze, while a municipal building was also attacked and set on fire. Police said three foreign nationals had been arrested over the alleged assault of a South African protester.

In Soweto, at least 10 vehicles were burnt, while several small convenience stores operated by foreign nationals were looted.

Explaining its decision to withdraw the directive, the Home Affairs Department said the influx of applicants had overwhelmed its offices, exposed officials to potential danger and created significant threats to public safety and order.

The department added that it would develop a fresh approach to processing asylum applications.

The latest unrest comes amid longstanding tensions over immigration in South Africa, which remains a major destination for migrants from other African countries seeking economic opportunities.

Xenophobic violence has periodically affected the country for nearly two decades, with some South Africans accusing foreign nationals of competing with locals for jobs, housing and other limited resources.

Concerns over illegal immigration have intensified ahead of the November 4 local government elections, with unemployment, which exceeds 30 per cent, also featuring prominently in public discourse.

Earlier this year, at least four foreign nationals were killed in related violence, according to South African police, although some African governments reported higher casualty figures.

The unrest also prompted thousands of African nationals to leave South Africa, with Zimbabweans and Malawians accounting for the largest groups. Citizens of Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, Nigeria and Uganda were also among those who departed, with some evacuated by their respective governments.

The departures heightened diplomatic tensions between South Africa and other African countries over the treatment and safety of their citizens.