South Africa accuses US of using illegal workers at refugee facility

(MENAFN) South Africa has accused the United States of employing Kenyan nationals without work permits at a facility handling refugee applications for white South Africans. Seven Kenyans were arrested after intelligence revealed they had entered the country on tourist visas but were working illegally, according to South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs. The arrested individuals face deportation and a five-year ban on entering South Africa.

The facility, run by two organisations—RSC Africa (a Kenyan-based refugee support centre under Church World Service) and Amerikaners (a South African platform)—processes applications for Afrikaners seeking US asylum. The US has reduced its global refugee intake from 125,000 to 7,500 per year but prioritises Afrikaners, citing claims of persecution, which South Africa rejects.

While no US officials were involved or arrested, South Africa said formal diplomatic discussions with both the US and Kenya have begun. The department described the operation as part of joint efforts with the US to combat illegal immigration and visa abuse.

The situation has reignited tensions over US plans to offer refugee status to white South Africans, particularly Afrikaners, amid controversial land reform policies in South Africa.

President Donald Trump has claimed Afrikaners face targeted violence—claims that South African authorities and independent data dispute.

The case highlights ongoing friction between South Africa and the US over migration, refugee processing, and historical land ownership issues.

MENAFN17122025000045017640ID1110492541