Reports have emerged of a group of South African refugees who have returned to the country following a brief stay in the US. Others are contemplating a return, much to the surprise and anger of Americans.
The individuals – many of whom are white, Afrikaners – are part of the refugee resettlement programme, which was created by US President Donald Trump to protect victims of “unjust racial persecution”.
Trump has repeatedly alleged that South Africa is promoting a “white genocide”, a claim has been disputed by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
SOUTH AFRICANS RETURNING HOME – WHAT HAPPENS TO THEIR ‘REFUGEE’ STATUS?
South Africans who have resettled in the US, and who want to return home, due to a change of mind, may have their refugee status revoked.
According to the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP), returning to your home country, or place of “persecution”, may give the US government reason to believe that you did not qualify for refugee status in the first place.
Refugees who return to South Africa for a “visit” without prior permission shall be presumed to have abandoned their asylum unless they can establish compelling reasons for their return. They are expected to explain the reason for their return in the process of obtaining permission.
Returning to South Africa for business or pleasure can be considered evidence that the refugee’s alleged fear of persecution is not genuine.
South Africans who take up refugee status – and decide to return home – are still lawfully required to pay back an interest-free travel loan from the International Organization for Migration (IMO).
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REPERCUSSIONS OF REFUGEE STATUS
Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, Canadian immigration consultant Nicholas Avramis advised South Africans interested in the refugee resettlement programme, to be aware of its repercussions.
He said: “One thing people don’t understand is that when you make this claim – seek asylum or refugee status in any country – this will follow you for life.”
He continued: “What does this mean? Well, if you make an application for a visitor visa to the UK or a study permit in Australia [for example], immigration officials are going to ask you if you’ve applied for refugee status. The threshold for immigration officers is to determine if you can abide by your temporary visa status or whether you plan to return to your home country”.
Avramis stated that seeking a visa in other countries could be rejected on this basis.
He continued, “If you’ve made a refugee claim, you’ve declared that you want to leave your home country, in this case, South Africa, and plan never to return. This is something that is going to follow you, and you’re always going to explain it in your travels.”
He added, “When you make this claim [refugee resettlement], especially for a family, this will also be on the children’s records.
“Down the road, you will have to answer for it. If you fail to answer for it, you will get banned from that country.”
REVOKING STATUS UPON RETURN
According to the South African Department of International Relations, South Africans who take up refugee status in the US lose their right to diplomatic protection.
However, the department states that refugees would be welcomed back as citizens. They would have to revoke their status in order for this to happen.
