US Secretary of State Rubio Announces Visa Restrictions on South Africans

On September 16, 2026, the United States announced visa restrictions targeting specific South African nationals, citing policies that the Trump administration claims amount to racial discrimination. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the measures would affect individuals involved in race-based discrimination, incitement of violence, or land confiscation without compensation.

The announcement did not specify the individuals impacted. The restrictions stem from concerns over South African policies that Washington believes discriminate on racial grounds, particularly regarding land ownership and the treatment of Afrikaners.

South Africa's Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola expressed concern over the US characterization of its policies, accusing supporters of the US position of misrepresenting South Africa's laws. The South African government has consistently denied allegations of persecuting white South Africans.

The visa restrictions contribute to ongoing diplomatic tensions between Washington and Pretoria, exacerbated since Donald Trump's return to the White House.