uth Africa has detained seven Kenyan nationals working without permits at a facility processing asylum claims for white South Africans seeking refuge in the United States. The arrests followed intelligence reports indicating individuals had entered the country on tourist visas and subsequently engaged in unauthorized employment at the centre.

The South African Department of Home Affairs stated that the Kenyan workers had previously been denied work visas but were found to be employed despite only holding tourist visas, a clear breach of their entry conditions. The department emphasized the country’s commitment to combating illegal immigration and visa abuse, aligning with international efforts.

The incident has sparked diplomatic engagements between South Africa, the United States, and Kenya. South Africa has indicated that the arrested Kenyan nationals will be deported and face a five-year ban from re-entering the country. No US officials were apprehended during the operation, which did not take place at a diplomatic site.

The facility in question is reportedly involved in processing asylum applications from members of South Africa’s white Afrikaner community, who the US claims face persecution. This assertion is strongly contested by the South African government. The US has reduced its global refugee intake significantly but prioritizes Afrikaners for asylum.

South Africa views the presence of undocumented foreign workers as a violation of its immigration laws and a misuse of its hospitality. The government aims to uphold the integrity of its borders and immigration policies, regardless of the nationality of those involved or the nature of the facility.

The US State Department has been approached for comment regarding the allegations and the employment of foreign nationals at the asylum processing centre. The outcome of the diplomatic discussions and the broader implications for US-South Africa relations remain to be seen.

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Keywords: South Africa asylum centre, illegal Kenyan workers, US refugee claims, Afrikaner asylum, immigration violations, visa abuse, deportation South Africa, diplomatic engagement