A controversial accusation has emerged: Kenyan nationals were found working illegally at a U.S.-run asylum processing center in South Africa, a facility handling refugee claims from white South Africans. South Africa’s government asserts the United States employed individuals without valid work permits at the center.
Seven Kenyans were arrested after intelligence indicated they had recently entered South Africa on tourist visas and had unlawfully taken up employment at the center, according to a statement from South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs. The BBC requested comment from the U.S. State Department.
The United States has signaled a broader policy shift away from global refugee admissions, yet maintains that Afrikaner applicants—descendants of Dutch and French settlers—can seek asylum if they face persecution. This stance contrasts with South Africa’s rejection of the broader persecution claim.
In a related move, the U.S. has reduced its annual refugee intake from approximately 125,000 to 7,500. Nevertheless, the U.S. asserts it will prioritize Afrikaner asylum cases.
South Africa says the Kenyan nationals arrested in Tuesday’s operation will be deported and barred from re-entry for five years. The group had previously been denied work visas but were found working despite holding only tourist visas, which violated their admission conditions.
South Africa described the raid as evidence of its joint commitment with the United States to combat illegal immigration and visa abuse in all forms. The government also announced that formal diplomatic engagements have been initiated with both the United States and Kenya. No U.S. officials were detained, and the operation took place outside a diplomatic site.
