WASHINGTON- The United States has announced a new visa restriction policy targeting foreign nationals accused of supporting discriminatory laws, uncompensated land seizures or incitement to racial violence in South Africa.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the policy would apply to people responsible for, or complicit in, enacting or implementing measures that enable race-based discrimination against minority ethnic or racial groups.
“The South African government has not adequately addressed the previously laid out concerns,” Rubio said.
He said Washington would target foreign nationals involved in laws or policies enabling “uncompensated land seizures, race-based discrimination, and/or the incitement of imminent violence” against minorities.
The restrictions were introduced under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act.
The provision permits the secretary of state to deny entry to a foreign national whose admission could have potentially serious consequences for US foreign policy.
The measures may also be extended to certain immediate family members of those identified by American authorities.
Washington has not publicly disclosed any names or announced how many people could be affected.
Rubio said the conduct covered by the policy undermined peace, economic stability and the rule of law. He urged the South African government to respond to Washington’s concerns.
The announcement marks a further deterioration in relations between Washington and Pretoria.
In February 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order suspending US assistance to South Africa and directing officials to prioritise refugee support for Afrikaners who claimed to be victims of discrimination.
The Trump administration has repeatedly criticised South Africa’s Expropriation Act and its race-based economic empowerment policies.
It has also called on senior officials to condemn racial incitement and strengthen security in rural communities.
South Africa has disputed Washington’s characterisation of its land policies. President Cyril Ramaphosa previously said the Expropriation Act was constitutional, aimed at addressing historical inequality and did not amount to arbitrary land confiscation.
At the time of his response, Ramaphosa said no land had been seized under the law.
