First Afrikaner Refugee Returns To South Africa

FIRST AFRIKANER REFUGEE RETURNS TO SOUTH AFRICA According to US intel analyst Chris Wyatt, the first known refugee has returned to South Africa over the Easter weekend. The US commentator, who has a special interest in South Africa, and in particular the refugee resettlement programme, claimed that he was informed that the individual, an elderly woman, had returned to the country The woman arrived in the state of Iowa two weeks ago, ahead of her family. However, she had reportedly discovered that her adult children had been removed from the programme for unknown reasons. According to Wyatt, the woman chose to return to South Africa at her own expense. She would also be liable to pay a travel loan from the United Nations International Organisation for Migration. He said, “It certainly doesn’t appear that she’s unhappy or uncomfortable in America. It seems to be tied to the fact that her family, in a linked case, her support structure, is no longer coming. ADVERTISEMENT “She’s made a decision. This is heartbreaking after going through this programme. The reality is that she came over, she took a seat, filled a slot and used resources that another South African could not use. This is a shame… He continued: “We can speculate that they changed their mind. Or maybe this is one of the first denials [rejection of application]. This is not a shocker or surprise”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiH7v3OF8YA WHITE EXPATS COMING HOME The Afrikaner refugee’s case is not to be confused with reports that high numbers of white expats living abroad are choosing to return to South Africa. According to Reuters, thousands of South Africans have cited reasons of wanting to reunite with family and friends back home, the weather, and the cost of living and living standards in the country. An employment agent told the news agency that he had seen a 70% increase in interest in white South African expats who had contacted him in the last six months. Many were hoping to secure remote work abroad while returning to South Africa. CAN REFUGEES RETURN TOO? While expats can return to South Africa without any red tape issues, those who have taken “refugee status” in the US under the Trump administration could potentially face issues. According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), there are stringent travel restrictions in place for refugees who are successful in the resettlement programme. USCIS states that all refugees must obtain permission via a travel document before departing the US. Failure to do so could result in refugees being denied re-entry into the US. These actions could also strip South Africans of their refugee status, resulting in removal proceedings before an immigration judge. Returning to South Africa – considered the country of “persecution” – could come at a cost. Click here for more information. For “refugees” hoping to return home permanently, voluntary repatriation is always an option. Organisations like the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) help people who wish to return to their countries by providing financial assistance. According to the South African Department of International Relations, “refugees” would be welcomed back as citizens. However, they would have to revoke their status in order for this to happen. 0 comments