Kenyan Diaspora in South Africa Urged to Respect Immigration Laws

South Africa recently deported seven Kenyan nationals following an immigration raid in Johannesburg, after authorities found them working in violation of their visa conditions.

The Department of Home Affairs said the individuals were detained during an operation at a refugee processing centre linked to the United States and were later issued with deportation orders. They have also been barred from re-entering South Africa for five years.

Officials said  that the group had entered the country on tourist visas, which do not permit employment. The department said breaches of visa conditions undermine immigration controls and create difficulties in relations with other countries.

The Kenyan Diaspora in South Africa (KEDASA) responded by urging Kenyans living in the country to comply with local laws. In a statement, the organisation acknowledged that economic hardship often drives people to seek work abroad but warned that illegal employment increases the risk of exploitation, arrest and sudden deportation. 

It added that repeated violations could damage the reputation of Kenyans in South Africa. South African authorities said the raid focused on a facility handling refugee applications for white South Africans being considered for resettlement in the United States under policies introduced during the Trump administration. 

They noted that earlier applications by Kenyan nationals seeking permission to work at the centre had been denied, raising concerns about intent and adherence to diplomatic procedures. The government clarified that no United States personnel were detained and said the facility does not have diplomatic status. It added that the matter is being addressed through formal channels.

South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation has begun discussions with both Kenya and the United States. Officials said the issue is being managed diplomatically while domestic immigration laws continue to be enforced.

Estimates indicate that between 60,000 and 80,000 Kenyans live in South Africa, including professionals, students, families and informal workers.