Seven Kenyan nationals arrested for breaching South African immigration laws

The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed the arrest of seven Kenyan nationals who were found to be illegally working in South Africa while in possession of tourist visas.

According to the department, the arrests followed a routine and lawful operation conducted in Johannesburg in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, targeting suspected violations of South Africa’s immigration laws.

“The operation was informed by intelligence reports indicating that a number of Kenyan nationals had recently entered South Africa on tourist visas and had unlawfully taken up employment at a centre processing applications of so-called ‘refugees’ to the United States.” 

The department added that the individuals were working despite the fact that earlier visa applications for Kenyan nationals to legally perform this work had been lawfully declined.

“During the operation, seven Kenyan nationals were discovered engaging in work activities while only holding tourist visas, in clear violation of their conditions of entry into the country,” the department revealed.

Home Affairs confirmed that the individuals were arrested, issued with deportation orders, and will be prohibited from re-entering South Africa for a period of five years.

“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 our immigration and visa system.” 

The department also clarified that no diplomatic protocols were breached during the enforcement action.

“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.”

Emphasising its stance on enforcement, the department said the operation reinforces its commitment to the rule of law.

“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,” the department said.

It has been further noted that the matter has broader diplomatic implications.

“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.”

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Saturday Star