Tensions between South Africa and the US escalated this week after South African authorities raided a refugee application processing centre in Johannesburg and arrested multiple foreign nationals allegedly working illegally there for a United States-backed resettlement programme. This action led both nations to respond diplomatically, raising questions over visa compliance as well as international cooperation on refugee processing.
According to The Washington Post.
South African Department of Home Affairs officials discovered on Tuesday seven Kenyan nationals working at a center that processes applications from individuals seeking resettlement in the US. Officials asserted these workers entered South Africa with tourist visas that do not permit employment but nonetheless engaged in work related to refugee processing operations.
Home Affairs spokesperson Carli van Wyk noted that applications by certain Kenyan nationals for legal work visas had been denied, yet they continued performing functions related to refugee application processes despite only possessing tourist visas – in violation of their conditions of entry into South Africa, according to Van Wyk. Seven Kenyan nationals were discovered engaging in work activities despite only possessing tourist visas, according to her statement.
Detained individuals were issued deportation orders and banned from returning to South Africa for five years, following an operation conducted lawfully to enforce immigration regulations and reduce visa abuses. South African authorities stressed that no members of the public or potential refugees were harassed during this raid, nor any U.S. officials arrested.
SAnews
The center in question is linked with a contentious U.S. refugee program introduced in 2025, which seeks to offer priority resettlement for South Africans who claim they experience racial persecution at home. South Africa’s government strongly rejects such allegations of widespread persecution, insisting that current asylum criteria do not support such claims.
Wikipedia
The arrests have triggered formal diplomatic engagement. South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation initiated discussions with both the U.S. and Kenyan governments regarding this matter, while officials expressed alarm over foreign workers performing roles without proper visas, as well as any apparent coordination behind such arrangements.
As a response, the United States government has sought clarification from South African authorities. State Department officials have emphasised their expectation for “full cooperation and accountability”, along with adhering to protocol when operating abroad. A spokesperson from U.S. Refugee Operations stated they wanted immediate clarity regarding any circumstances surrounding arrests as interference into these operations would be “unacceptable”.
IOL mes The diplomatic fallout demonstrates deeper strains between U.S.-South Africa ties, which have been straining due to disagreements on refugee policy and other geopolitical matters. South African authorities have made clear their intent of upholding immigration laws even as they navigate delicate international engagements.
Critics of the U.S. program in South Africa and internationally have raised issues over its targeting of specific demographic groups for resettlement and its legal and ethical framework. Supporters point out that refugee processing requires skilled personnel and coordination but emphasize that any work must always comply with local laws.
As diplomatic talks continue, this case may serve as an indicator for future cooperation between both countries in refugee processing and immigration enforcement. Authorities from all parties have signaled their readiness to engage, while simultaneously upholding their respective legal obligations and policy priorities.