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An immigration expert has warned South Africans looking to take US President Donald Trump's offer that it could be a decision that will impact their ability to visit other countries for the rest of their lives. On 7 February 2025, Trump signed an executive order freezing aid to South Africa and prioritising the resettlement of Afrikaners in the United States as refugees. The White House cited South Africa's recently enacted Expropriation Act, arguing that it discriminates against the white minority population by allowing the state to seize land without compensation. The administration further accused the South African government of fostering policies that undermine equal opportunities and contribute to racially targeted violence against landowners. According to the order, the US Secretary of State and Secretary of Homeland Security will take steps to admit and resettle Afrikaners under the United States Refugee Admissions Program. The directive from the White House noted that it aims to provide humanitarian relief to those allegedly facing systemic discrimination. Neil Diamond, president of the South African Chamber of Commerce in the USA, warned of a potential mass exodus of skilled agricultural professionals. He noted that within just 48 hours of the executive order's announcement, over 17,000 inquiries had been received from South Africans seeking information on refugee status and relocation to the US. He emphasised that the departure of experienced farmers could have severe consequences for South Africa's food security, agricultural value chain, and economic stability. The South African Trade Union Solidarity Movement acknowledged that some Afrikaners might consider emigration but rejected mass resettlement as a viable solution. Solidarity chairperson Flip Buys emphasised that Afrikaners are deeply rooted in South Africa's history and culture and should focus on building a future within the country rather than seeking asylum abroad. "The repatriation of Afrikaners as refugees is not a solution. We want to build a future in South Africa," he said. The South African government has strongly condemned the executive order, describing it as misleading and based on misinformation. A warning to South Africans considering the move Canadian immigration consultant Nicholas Avramis has warned the Afrikaans community to be cautious with the recent policy announcement from the United States encouraging South Africans to make asylum claims based on alleged human rights violations. "I would caution any individual from making a refugee claim to the United States or any other country as it will impact any future visa application to other countries," he said. According to Avramis, making an asylum claim comes with consequences. "It is essentially a mark on your record and will have to be explained every time one applies for a visitor visa to another country," he added. When applying to visit another country, immigration officials need to be satisfied that you will return to your home country. However, asylum is a clear indication that you want to leave your home country without the intention of returning. Avramis advises South Africans to focus on immigration programs that were created with a genuine intent to attract skilled workers as opposed to ones created in politics. Canada is climbing the ladder of countries attracting skilled South Africans to fill shortages faced by most third world countries. Since 2020, close to 18,000 work permit and permanent residency applications have been approved for South Africans. According to Avramis, about 8,000 work permit applications and a further 6,500 permanent residency applications were approved for skilled workers from South Africa. Avramis added that the top three occupations held by South Africans in Canada are agricultural workers, healthcare workers and various trade groups. "A big driver in the last two years for South Africans immigrating to Canada has been more healthcare professionals entering the Express Entry pool hoping to be selected for permanent residency." Canada now has occupation-specific draws for various occupations that are deemed a national priority. There are 37 medical jobs posted in the healthcare category. On 28 February 2025, Canada announced a new education field to attract early educators as permanent residents. This is expected to draw many South African teachers who struggle with under resourced schools, low pay, and crowed classrooms. |
