South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs has arrested seven Kenyan nationals during a raid on a centre in Johannesburg that processes applications for people seeking resettlement in the United States. Officials said the operation targeted suspected immigration violations and was carried out with support from other law enforcement agencies.
According to the department, intelligence reports indicated that several Kenyans had recently entered South Africa on tourist visas but were working at the refugee processing centre in defiance of their visa conditions. Earlier applications for proper work visas for Kenyan staff at the facility had been rejected, but the individuals allegedly took up employment regardless.
During the raid, authorities said they found seven Kenyan nationals actively engaged in work despite only holding visitor visas. All seven were arrested, issued deportation orders and told they are banned from re-entering South Africa for five years.
The facility is linked to a US-backed refugee resettlement programme that has become politically sensitive in South Africa. The scheme has reportedly focused on processing applications for white South Africans, particularly Afrikaners, seeking relocation to the United States on claims of racial persecution, a narrative the South African government has criticised as misleading.
Information published by the US side indicates that refugee processing work in the region involves Amerikaners, a group led by white South Africans, and RSC Africa, a support centre run from Kenya by Church World Service. South African officials said intelligence placed the seven Kenyans at a centre connected to this network.
Home Affairs stressed that the raid was a routine enforcement action under domestic immigration law. The department said no US officials were detained, the location was not a diplomatic site and no members of the public or prospective refugees were harassed during the operation.
Authorities added that the case forms part of a broader clampdown on abuse of South Africa’s visa and immigration system. The government says deportations have increased over the past 18 months as it tries to address long-standing concerns about illegal employment and overstaying by foreign nationals.
The incident has drawn in both Nairobi and Washington, with the deportations expected to feature in ongoing discussions on migration controls and the handling of refugee resettlement programmes in southern Africa. Rights advocates have called for transparency to ensure that enforcement measures do not undermine legitimate protection needs while immigration laws are applied.
About the author
Judith Audu’s film Evi begins nationwide school tour
Nollywood actress, producer and director Judith Audu has kicked off a nationwide school tour with her award winning film Evi. The project aims to take the movie directly to campuses and secondary schools across Nigeria and use it as a tool for education, inspiration and social change. According to Audu, the tour will begin with screenings across the South East from May 1 before moving to other regions of the country. At each stop, students will watch the film and then take part in discussions about its themes, which focus on values, resilience and the choices young people make in difficult situations. She explained that Evi was created not just as entertainment but as a conversation starter for young Nigerians. By bringing the film directly to schools, she hopes to reach students where they are, encourage dialogue on real life […]
MasterChef Nigeria: Pearl, Margaret first to be eliminated
Pearl and Margaret have become the first contestants to be eliminated from the maiden season of MasterChef Nigeria after a tense opening episode. The popular cooking show features ten home cooks competing for a grand prize of 73 million naira and the title of Nigeria’s first MasterChef. In the first challenge, contestants were asked to recreate a dish inspired by a person who shaped their culinary journey, using a photograph as their guide. They had 60 minutes to prepare and plate a complete meal that told a personal story and impressed the judges with taste, creativity and presentation. Pearl, a 30 year old from Delta State, chose to honour a loved one with a bold menu of pan seared catfish, garri polenta and palm nut velouté, also known as banga soup. However, she struggled with time management in the kitchen […]
Cameraboss wins Creative Visionary award
London based Nigerian photographer and filmmaker Cameraboss has been named Creative Visionary of the Year 2025 2026 in the United Kingdom. The award recognises his outstanding contribution to visual storytelling, especially in wedding, lifestyle and portrait photography that celebrates African culture in the diaspora. The honour was presented at a high profile event in London, where industry leaders and public officials gathered to celebrate excellence in the creative sector. The Mayor of Westminster presented the award in the presence of the Mayor of Islington and other distinguished guests, underscoring the significance of Cameraboss’s work to the city’s cultural life. Cameraboss, whose real name is John Olalekan Durojaye, is the creative director of the Cameraboss brand. Over the years he has built a strong reputation for capturing emotional, vibrant and cinematic images at Nigerian and African weddings across the UK and […]
Onyedika rejects Brugge deal, pushes for big transfer
Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika has rejected a new contract offer from Belgian club Club Brugge as he pushes for a major transfer this summer. Reports in Belgium say the club has been trying for some time to extend his deal, but the Nigerian has turned down every proposal so far. Brugge were unwilling to let Onyedika leave during the January transfer window because of his importance to their title challenge. However, the player is now said to be focused on securing a move at the end of the season, and this has reportedly affected his concentration in recent weeks. Onyedika has attracted interest from several clubs in Europe’s top leagues following his strong performances for both club and country. Premier League side Aston Villa are among the teams monitoring his situation closely, while German Bundesliga clubs Wolfsburg and Eintracht […]
Is Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles diaspora push lazy or smart
Debate has intensified over Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle’s growing reliance on foreign born players of Nigerian descent, with many asking if his diaspora recruitment drive is a smart strategy or a lazy shortcut. Supporters argue that the approach reflects modern football realities, while critics fear it may weaken opportunities for home based talents in the Nigerian league. Since taking charge, Chelle has widened Nigeria’s scouting network across Europe, targeting dual nationality professionals who are eligible to represent the country. He has already secured commitments from players such as defenders Felix Agu and Ryan Alebiosu and goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, while holding talks with several other prospects who grew up abroad. Chelle insists that his focus is not on passports but on quality and fit for his tactical plans. He has repeatedly said that he cannot invite every interested player and […]
Galatasaray value Osimhen at €150m amid transfer links
Turkish champions Galatasaray have reportedly placed a massive 150 million euros valuation on Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen amid growing transfer interest from top European clubs. The Istanbul giants see the Nigerian forward as a key asset and are using the huge price tag to fend off potential suitors. Osimhen, who joined Galatasaray from Napoli in a record deal, has been in outstanding form since arriving in Turkey. Reports indicate that his transfer fee and performances have already made him one of the most valuable players in the Turkish Super Lig. Club officials believe his market value has almost doubled since the move, justifying the 150 million euros benchmark. The high valuation comes as clubs from Spain, England and France continue to monitor his situation closely. Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and some Premier League sides have all been linked with Osimhen […]
Related
Tinubu to visit France, Kenya, Rwanda for strategic summits
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will on Saturday, May 2, depart Abuja on a three nation diplomatic trip to France, Kenya and Rwanda aimed at deepening Nigeria’s global partnerships and attracting investment. The visit will focus on economic growth, climate action, digital transformation and high level business engagement. According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s first stop will be in France. From there, he will proceed to Nairobi, Kenya, to participate in the Africa France Summit scheduled for May 11 to 12. The summit, co chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron and Kenyan President William Ruto, is themed “Africa Forward: Africa France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth.” It will address energy transition, green industrialisation, digital transformation, climate action and the restructuring of the global financing system. The Presidency said Tinubu will use the […]
Chad deports Nigerians fleeing jihadist violence
Chad has arrested and deported hundreds of Nigerians who fled jihadist violence in the Lake Chad region and sought safety in its territory, Nigerian and humanitarian sources say. Many of those affected are from states in northern Nigeria that have endured years of attacks by Boko Haram and other armed groups. According to Nigerian officials in Borno State, the Chadian authorities recently rounded up irregular Nigerian migrants in several towns and transported them to the border for return to Nigeria. Local sources say some of those detained had lived in Chad for years after fleeing earlier waves of insurgent attacks and had been surviving through informal work and begging. Humanitarian agencies report that thousands of Nigerians remain displaced around the Lake Chad Basin because of ongoing insecurity and repeated attacks by jihadist groups. Many crossed into neighbouring Chad, Niger and […]
Ghana pulls out of US aid talks over data demand
Ghana has withdrawn from talks on a new United States health aid deal after objecting to US demands for access to sensitive personal health data. The move is a fresh setback for President Donald Trump’s push to link parts of US foreign aid to wider data sharing agreements with partner countries. According to a source familiar with the negotiations, the proposed bilateral agreement would have provided about 109 million dollars in US health assistance to Ghana over five years. In return, Ghana would have been required to grant the US extensive access to its national health data systems, including real time information on disease trends and other patient level records. The government of President John Dramani Mahama decided that the conditions posed serious risks to privacy and national security and could breach Ghana’s data protection and health laws. After months […]
Mali: Fresh clashes erupt between Tuareg rebels, government forces in Kidal
Fresh fighting has broken out in the strategic northern Malian city of Kidal between Tuareg rebels and government forces backed by Russian mercenaries. Tuareg rebels from the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) said clashes resumed on Sunday as they tried to “drive out the last Russian fighters” who had taken refuge in a military camp in the city. A local elected official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that residents heard sustained gunfire as Malian troops, Russian personnel and Tuareg fighters exchanged shots. Kidal, a historic Tuareg stronghold, was retaken by the Malian army in November 2023 with support from Russia’s Wagner paramilitary group, ending more than a decade of de facto rebel control. The FLA now claims to have seized the city again and says it has also captured positions in the northern Gao region. The renewed clashes follow a […]
Ghana summons South Africa’s envoy over ‘xenophobic incidents’
Ghana has summoned South Africa’s acting High Commissioner in Accra over what it describes as a series of “xenophobic incidents” targeting Ghanaian nationals. In a statement issued on Thursday, Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa raised concerns after videos emerged online showing Ghanaians being harassed in parts of South Africa. The ministry cited an incident in KwaZulu Natal where a Ghanaian legal resident was confronted and told to leave South Africa and “fix his country.” The statement warned of “escalating tensions” and advised Ghanaian citizens in affected areas to remain indoors for their safety where necessary. It noted that recent anti migrant protests and intimidation had heightened fears among foreign nationals. During his meeting with South Africa’s envoy Thando Dalamba, Ablakwa recalled Ghana’s historic support for the anti apartheid struggle and stressed that unprovoked harassment […]
Africa Technology Expo returns to Lagos, expands third edition to two day format
The Africa Technology Expo (ATE) will return to Lagos for its third edition with organisers confirming an expanded two day, enterprise focused format scheduled for June 26 and 27, 2026. Often described by participants as the “CES of Africa,” the event will bring together decision makers, senior executives, regulators and technology professionals to explore opportunities in the continent’s fast evolving digital economy. Organisers say previous editions of the Expo facilitated an estimated 198 million dollars in partnerships, investment discussions and memoranda of understanding across technology and infrastructure projects. The platform was created to connect Africa’s emerging hardware and digital infrastructure ecosystem with global markets and has grown into a meeting point for conversations around robotics, connectivity and enterprise innovation. Speaking ahead of the 2026 edition, ATE convener Nnaemeka Clinton said the decision to expand to two days reflects both the […]