US announces visa restrictions on South Africans

The United States (US) has announced a new visa restriction policy targeting foreign nationals involved in race-based discrimination, incitement of imminent violence, and uncompensated land seizures in South Africa.

The U.S Secretary of State Marco Rubio who announced the restrictions cited President Trump’s Executive Order 14204, “Addressing Egregious Actions of the Republic of South Africa,” and expressed ongoing concern over racially motivated crime and alleged government-sponsored discrimination against Afrikaners and other minority populations.

He pointed to race-based discriminatory legislation, threats of land expropriation without compensation, and the use of dehumanizing chants and slogans that incite racial violence.

The secretary said the South African government has not adequately addressed these issues and urged it to do so quickly.

He stated that such actions undermine peace, economic stability, and the rule of law, and are incompatible with U.S. foreign policy.

The United States has announced new visa restrictions targeting foreign nationals linked to race-based discrimination, violence and uncompensated land seizures in South Africa.