US imposes visa restrictions over South Africa racism, land seizures

The United States has implemented new visa restrictions targeting foreign nationals it accuses of contributing to or being complicit in race-based discrimination, incitement of violence, and land seizures without compensation in South Africa. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the policy on Tuesday, stating it was enacted under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

The restrictions aim to target individuals involved in the creation or enforcement of laws or policies that enable such actions against minority groups in South Africa. Rubio emphasized that these actions undermine peace, economic stability, and the rule of law, and are inconsistent with US foreign policy. The US administration has previously raised concerns over racially motivated crime and discrimination against Afrikaners and other minority groups in South Africa.

The policy targets foreign nationals responsible for or complicit in enabling land seizures without compensation, race-based discrimination, or inciting imminent violence against minority ethnic or racial groups. Certain family members of those affected may also be impacted. South Africa's government has been urged to address the issues highlighted in the policy.