The US State Department announced on Tuesday that it will restrict visas for South Africans who are deemed to enable uncompensated land seizures, engage in race‑based discrimination, or incite imminent violence against minority groups.
The move follows a series of confrontations between President Donald Trump and South African leaders over the country’s post‑apartheid racial justice reforms. Trump’s administration has repeatedly criticized the nation’s land‑reform policies, accusing them of undermining property rights.
Under the new guidelines, the Department will publish a list of individuals whose activities fall under the specified categories. Travelers on that list will face denial of entry, revocation of existing visas, or revocation of residency permits.
South Africa’s foreign minister, who spoke to the press without a press release, said Pretoria would review the decision and respond in “the coming weeks.” He added that the country remains committed to its constitutional framework and the rule of law.
The restrictions take effect immediately, with the US declaring a formal notice to be circulated to airline authorities and immigration offices. Washington’s next step will be to monitor compliance and assess any diplomatic fallout.
The policy is part of a broader US strategy to address what it calls “systemic racial discrimination” abroad, a stance that has drawn criticism from civil‑rights groups who argue it could suppress legitimate dissent.