Seven Kenyan nationals were arrested for allegedly working at a centre, despite entering the country on a tourist visa.
They were arrested after the Department of Home Affairs, in collaboration with other arms of law enforcement, executed a routine, lawful operation in Johannesburg, targeted at suspected violations of South African immigration law.
The operation followed after intelligence reports indicated that a number of Kenyan nationals had recently entered South Africa on tourist visas and had illegally taken up work at a centre that processes the applications of so-called “refugees” to the United States (US).
“This was despite the fact that earlier visa applications for Kenyan nationals to perform this work had been lawfully declined by the department. They were arrested and issued with deportation orders and will be prohibited from entering South Africa again for a five-year period,” the department said on Thursday.
The operation was carried out according to the same procedures that have seen Home Affairs dramatically intensify deportations over the past 18 months, as the South African government works to turn around the longstanding abuse of the country’s immigration and visa system.
The department said no US officials were arrested in the process; the operation was not conducted at a diplomatic site, and no members of the public or prospective “refugees” were harassed.
“The operation reinforces Home Affairs’ commitment to enforcing the rule of law without fear or favour, as no person or entity is above these laws. It also showcases the commitment that South Africa shares with the United States to combat illegal immigration and visa abuse in all its forms.
“The presence of foreign officials apparently coordinating with undocumented workers naturally raises serious questions about intent and diplomatic protocol. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has initiated formal diplomatic engagements with both the United States and Kenya to resolve this matter,” the department said.