By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The South African authorities have issued deportation orders for illegal Kenyan ‘volunteers’ at United States (US) refugee application processing centre.
This follows the arrest seven Kenyan nationals for illegally working at the centre while holding tourist visas.
The arrests followed a joint operation between the Department of Home Affairs and other law enforcement agencies, based on intelligence reports pointing to illegal employment by foreign nationals.
During the operation, officials discovered Kenyan nationals actively working while holding only tourist visas, which do not allow employment.
Home Affairs minister Leon Schreiber, confirmed that the individuals have been issued with deportation orders and will be prohibited from re-entering South Africa for a period of five years.
Schreiber further noted that two United States officials were also arrested during the operation, which was not conducted at a diplomatic site. He added that no members of the public or prospective “refugees” were harassed during the arrests.
Principal deputy spokesperson of the US State Department, Tommy Pigott, said the State Department wanted clarity from South Africa on what transpired, claiming that US officials were arrested.
“We are seeking immediate clarification from the South African government and expect full cooperation and accountability. We’ll have more to say once all the facts are confirmed, but the Trump administration will always stand up for US interests, US personnel, and the rule of law. Interfering in our refugee operations is unacceptable,” Pigott said.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has begun formal diplomatic engagements with both the United States and Kenya to address the matter.
The diplomatic relationship between the US and South Africa has entered one of its most turbulent phases since the end of apartheid.