Australia to consider fast-tracking visas for white South African farmers

South African farming is a beautiful landscape that is caught in a government conflict. Photo by Ryanj93, via Wikimedia Commons

The minister for home affairs, Peter Dutton, has stated that white South African farmers require special attention because of the horrific circumstances that they are currently facing. Dutton said in an interview that his department is considering a wide range of potential methods to help farmers in South Africa get a visa faster.

The new president for South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, is actively trying to redistribute farm land back to black South Africans. In light of this news it has been reported that white farmers in South Africa are being horrifically murdered in their homes. The land redistribution strategy that is in place aims to address the imbalances that had originated from the company’s past.

Dutton stated that if you read what is happening and look at the footage it’s obvious that they are facing horrific circumstances. He also noted that Australia has a humanitarian, refugee and other visa programs in place to help those who are in dire need of assistance.

Dutton also believes that the people that are affected by these events would want to have a working life in a country like Australia. He believes that they will want to work to build something rather than seek refuge and live off welfare. The suggested option that Dutton has proposed is the in-country visa category which brings refugees to Australia via humanitarian visas that have to be referred by Australians.

However South Africa has criticised Peter Dutton and Australia for their fast-tracked strategy stating that the threat to the lives of white farmers is sad. Dutton has already been accused of racist remarks earlier this year, regarding “African Gangs” in Melbourne.

Lindiwe Sisulu, who is a spokesperson for international relations said that there is no need to fear and that the process of land redistribution will be done legally with consideration to the economic impact on those affected. This is an interesting line that Sisulu has said as the land redistribution strategy offers no compensation for white famers.

Even the institute for security studies got involved with this matter where Gareth Newham said that there is no evidence that white farmer are being targeted over anyone else in the country. He also stated that young black males who live in poor urban areas face the largest risk of being murdered with a chance of 0.2 to 0.3 percent.

Although Newham states there is no specific evidence showing that white farmers are being targeted, crime rates for the country have been going up in general. If Australia doesn’t get the fast-track visa program for these farmers approved, how they will be treated and compensated for their land will rest with the South African government.

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