The South African government has stood firm behind its decision to deport seven Kenyan nationals, asserting that the action was lawful and necessary, while rejecting what it describes as unsubstantiated allegations from the United States.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), authorities said the removals were carried out by the Department of Home Affairs in full compliance with South African immigration law.
According to the government, the seven Kenyans were found to be working in South Africa without valid work permits, a breach of the country’s immigration regulations that “warranted their removal.”
“The government will not negotiate its sovereignty and the implementation of the rule of law,” the ministry said, reflecting Pretoria’s firm stance amid intensifying diplomatic scrutiny.
The deportations have emerged at a sensitive moment in South Africa’s international relations, particularly with the United States. Washington has expressed strong concern over the incident, including claims that private information belonging to U.S.
officials was improperly disclosed.
South Africa has categorically denied these allegations of involvement in any data compromise, stating: “South Africa treats all matters of data security with the utmost seriousness and operates under stringent legal and diplomatic protocols. We categorically reject any suggestion of state involvement in such actions.”
The government said it prefers diplomatic engagement over public confrontation and has opened official channels with the U.S. government to clarify misunderstandings and preserve bilateral relations based on mutual respect and factual dialogue.
In response to the events, a U.S.
State Department spokesperson told CNN that “interfering in our refugee operations is unacceptable” and called for immediate clarification. South African officials, however, maintained that no American personnel were arrested during the operation.
The Kenyan nationals were reportedly employed at facilities processing applications under a programme for resettlement in the United States. South Africa’s foreign ministry indicated that the involvement of foreign workers operating without proper permits raised “serious questions about intent and diplomatic protocol,” and has engaged both the U.S. and Kenyan governments to address related concerns.
The diplomatic dispute adds to a year of mounting tensions between Pretoria and Washington, as broader disagreements over immigration enforcement and refugee policy continue to unfold.
