South Africa has expressed concern to the United States over the first group of white Afrikaners being resettled in the US, a move expected to begin next week.
The announcement, reported by US media, follows accusations by President Donald Trump that Pretoria discriminates against the white minority.
The South African Foreign Ministry said it had raised the matter directly with US officials, reiterating that allegations of racial discrimination were unfounded.
It argued that the claims did not meet the legal requirements for refugee status under both domestic and international law.
“The resettlement of South Africans under the guise of being refugees appears politically motivated and challenges South Africa’s democratic values,” the Ministry added in a statement.
Deputy Foreign Minister Alvin Botes addressed these concerns with US Ambassador Christopher Landau.
Tensions between the two nations have risen this year, with the expulsion of South Africa’s ambassador in March.
A key issue is a new land expropriation law, which Trump claims would allow the South African government to seize white-owned agricultural land without compensation.
The government has clarified that the law only permits expropriation in the public interest, after attempts to reach fair agreements.
Trump’s administration has promised a “rapid pathway” to citizenship for Afrikaners seeking refuge, despite halting refugee arrivals early in his term.
Reports suggest the first group of Afrikaners could arrive in the US by Monday, with up to 1,000 expected this year.
While South Africa challenges the refugee claims, it confirmed that citizens wishing to leave will not be prevented from doing so.
The debate continues over whether the issue is rooted in political motivations or genuine humanitarian concerns.