Seven Kenyan nationals have been arrested and deported after allegedly working for an organisation involved in processing applications of so-called “refugees” to the United States, the Department of Home Affairs has confirmed.
The department said the individuals were employed at the centre despite having entered South Africa on tourist visas. According to Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber, their initial application to perform this work had been lawfully declined.
Schreiber said the arrests were made during a joint operation by the Department of Home Affairs and other law-enforcement agencies. During the operation, officials discovered the seven Kenyan nationals engaging in work activities in clear violation of their visa conditions.
“They were arrested, issued with deportation orders and will be prohibited from re-entering South Africa for a period of five years,” Schreiber said. He added that the operation followed standard procedures and forms part of the department’s intensified efforts over the past 18 months to address abuse of the country’s immigration and visa system.
The minister further clarified that no United States officials were arrested, the operation did not take place at a diplomatic site, and no members of the public or prospective “refugees” were harassed.
Schreiber emphasised that the operation underscores the department’s commitment to enforcing the rule of law without fear or favour, stressing that no individual or entity is above the law. He added that it also reflects South Africa’s shared commitment with the United States to combating illegal immigration and visa abuse.
“The presence of foreign officials allegedly coordinating with undocumented workers raises serious concerns regarding intent and diplomatic protocol,” Schreiber said. He confirmed that the Department of International Relations and Cooperation has initiated formal diplomatic engagements with both the United States and Kenya to address the matter.
