US Refugee Center Faces Illegal Worker Controversy in SA

US refugee center in South Africa accused of illegal workers; seven Kenyans arrested while processing Afrikaner asylum claims.

South Africa has accused the United States of employing illegal workers at a center handling refugee applications for white South Africans. Authorities say seven Kenyan nationals were arrested for working without permits, having entered the country on tourist visas.

The facility processes claims from members of the white Afrikaner community, who the US prioritizes for asylum, citing alleged persecution—a claim strongly rejected by the South African government.

While the US has reduced its annual refugee intake from 125,000 to 7,500, Afrikaners remain a priority group. South Africa confirmed the arrested Kenyans will be deported and barred from re-entry for five years.

The government emphasized that the raid highlights its commitment, alongside the US, to combat illegal immigration and visa violations. Diplomatic discussions with the US and Kenya are underway, though no American officials were involved or arrested, as the facility is not considered a diplomatic site.

This incident has raised questions about visa misuse, refugee prioritization, and international collaboration in managing migration.