South Africa has reversed a change to its asylum application policy, the country's government confirmed, days after anti-foreigner protests placed the country's refugee system at the centre of a public backlash.

The reversal marks a rapid turnabout. The policy that drew public anger had altered how asylum seekers apply for protection in South Africa, and officials have now restored the previous application arrangements.

Why did the government change course?

Anti-foreigner protests pushed the asylum issue onto the national agenda. Demonstrators directed anger at the country's handling of foreign nationals, and the asylum application policy became a flashpoint in that dispute.

Facing that pressure, the South African authorities dropped the contested change and returned to the earlier policy framework for asylum applications.

Who is affected?

The decision directly affects asylum seekers in South Africa and those planning to lodge protection claims there. They now follow the application procedures that were in place before the reversed change.

The climbdown also affects the officials who administer the refugee system, who must readjust processing to the restored rules.

What comes next?

Anti-foreigner sentiment remains a live political force in South Africa, and the protests that triggered this reversal show the pressure under which the country's migration policy is being made.

Asylum applicants and advocates should monitor official channels from South Africa's Department of Home Affairs for confirmation of current application requirements. This report does not constitute legal advice; readers with individual asylum questions should consult the official government source or a qualified representative.

The episode underlines how quickly migration rules can shift under public pressure — and why applicants need to verify requirements against official announcements before acting.