Seven Kenyans employed in South Africa through a US program have been arrested for lacking proper documentation and now face deportation. They were detained after entering the country on tourist visas and working at a center processing US visa applications. The operation took place in Johannesburg and involved South Africa's Department of Home Affairs.
Seven Kenyans working at a center in South Africa that handles applications for US refugee status have been arrested for immigration violations. Intelligence reports revealed they entered on tourist visas and took up employment illegally, despite prior work visa applications being denied by the Department of Home Affairs.
The arrests occurred during a routine operation in Johannesburg, conducted by the department alongside other law enforcement agencies to address suspected breaches of immigration laws. The individuals received deportation orders and a five-year ban from re-entering South Africa.
This action forms part of an 18-month crackdown aimed at curbing long-standing abuses of the country's immigration and visa systems. It remains unclear whether the focus was specifically on US-sponsored initiatives amid strained relations between South Africa and the United States.
The Kenyan government has not yet released an official statement, though South African authorities confirmed they notified their Kenyan counterparts. No US officials were detained, the raid was not at a diplomatic location, and no members of the public or asylum seekers were mistreated. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has started formal diplomatic discussions with both the US and Kenya to address the issue, noting that the involvement of foreign officials with undocumented workers raises concerns about intent and protocol.
