South Africa Alleges Undocumented Workers at US-Linked Refugee Processing Facility
South Africa's Department of Home Affairs has accused the United States of utilizing Kenyan nationals who lacked proper work permits at a facility in South Africa. This center is involved in processing applications for refugee status submitted by white South African citizens.
Arrests and Allegations
Seven Kenyan nationals were arrested subsequent to intelligence reports. These reports indicated that individuals had recently entered South Africa on tourist visas and were engaging in unauthorized work at the aforementioned center. The Department of Home Affairs stated that the arrested individuals had previously been denied work visas but were found to be working, violating their conditions of entry into the country. The BBC has requested comment from the US State Department.
US Refugee Policy
The United States has decreased its global annual refugee intake from approximately 125,000 to 7,500. Concurrently, the US has communicated a policy to prioritize members of South Africa's white Afrikaner community for asylum, based on claims of persecution. The South African government officially disputes these claims of persecution.
South African Government Response
The arrested Kenyan nationals are scheduled for deportation and will be prohibited from entering South Africa for five years. The South African government's statement highlighted its commitment, shared with the United States, to address illegal immigration and visa misuse. Formal diplomatic discussions have been initiated with both the United States and Kenya concerning this situation. It was clarified that no US officials were arrested during the operation and that the site was not a diplomatic facility.