United States (US) has announced new visa restrictions on foreign nationals linked to race-based discrimination, incitement of imminent violence and uncompensated land seizures in South Africa.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the policy, citing concerns over developments in South Africa.
Rubio said the restrictions were introduced under President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14204, titled “Addressing Egregious Actions of the Republic of South Africa.”
The U.S. government said it remains concerned about what it described as racially motivated crime and alleged government-backed discrimination against Afrikaners and other minority groups.
Rubio also raised concerns about South African laws that he said discriminate on the basis of race.
He pointed to proposed land expropriation without compensation as another issue behind the U.S. action.
The secretary also criticised the use of chants and slogans which, according to the U.S. government, could encourage racial violence.
Rubio said the South African government had not done enough to address the concerns raised by Washington.
He called on the South African authorities to take swift action on the issues.
According to Rubio, race-based discrimination, threats of violence and uncompensated land seizures could undermine peace, economic stability and the rule of law.
He added that such actions were not compatible with U.S. foreign policy.
The new restrictions add to growing tensions between Washington and Pretoria over issues involving race, land policy and the treatment of minority communities.
