Pakistan, June 30 -- South African cities experienced widespread disruptions on Tuesday as fears of anti-immigrant violence prompted businesses and public transport to shut down. Thousands of foreign nationals fled or stayed indoors ahead of a protest deadline demanding undocumented migrants leave the country. The unrest has heightened security concerns and raised fears of renewed xenophobic violence across South Africa.

Authorities deployed police and military personnel in major cities, including Johannesburg and Durban, to maintain order during planned demonstrations. Many workers remained at home, while businesses suspended operations over concerns that the protests could turn violent. Witnesses also reported landlords evicting foreig...