SOUTH Africa announced on Saturday that it has cancelled the visas of 95 Libyan nationals who were arrested at a suspected secret military camp in White River, a holiday town in the northeastern Mpumalanga province.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber welcomed the arrests, stating that the Libyans had acquired their visas irregularly in Tunisia through misrepresentation. The Home Affairs Department clarified that the cancellations now render the 95 individuals undocumented foreign nationals, and the agency is collaborating with law enforcement to explore options, including deportation.
The Libyans had obtained study permits, claiming they were coming to South Africa to train as security guards. However, a police raid on the suspected military training camp, prompted by intelligence, revealed military training equipment and drugs on the premises.
According to reports, the Libyans entered South Africa in April and were scheduled to return in December.
The situation is under ongoing investigation, and authorities are determining the next steps for these individuals.
