UK Denies Julius Malema Visa Over Extremist Views, Support for Hamas

The United Kingdom has formally denied Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema a visa, citing what it described as extremist views, public support for Hamas, and a pattern of racially inflammatory rhetoric.

The decision, confirmed in a letter dated 17 June 2025, marks a significant diplomatic rebuke and follows previous concerns raised by UK authorities about Malema’s public conduct.

“Your conduct, character and associations make it undesirable to grant you entry to the UK,” the UK Home Office wrote. “There is no right of appeal or administrative review in relation to this decision.”

Reasons for the Visa Denial

According to the UK Home Office, Malema’s past and recent public statements, including support for Hamas and Hezbollah, violate UK immigration policy, which prohibits entry for individuals involved in, or who endorse, terrorism or racial hatred.

Key concerns outlined in the rejection letter include:

• Public support for Hamas, a banned terrorist organisation in the UK.
• A televised interview in which Malema referred to the 7 October 2023 attacks by Hamas as “a legitimate act of resistance.”
• An April 2024 EFF press statement in which the party expressed support for the armed struggle of Hamas and Hezbollah.
• Malema’s controversial 2016 comment, stating the EFF was “not calling for the slaughter of white people — at least for now.”
• Testimony from a 2022 Equality Court hearing, where Malema told a judge he could not guarantee he wouldn’t make such comments in future: “I can’t guarantee I won’t say it. I am not a prophet.”

The Home Office says this conduct falls under its “unacceptable behaviour” provisions, which include incitement or justification of terrorist violence and the promotion of racial hatred.

A Shift in Diplomatic Tone

While Malema has previously visited the UK, this latest visa refusal suggests a firm shift in Britain’s stance. The Home Office made it clear that future visa applications are also unlikely to succeed unless there is a fundamental change in the EFF leader’s public rhetoric and positions.

“Your presence in the United Kingdom is not conducive to the public good,” the letter added, citing both character and association concerns.

International and Domestic Reaction

The decision is likely to fuel political debate in South Africa and beyond. Malema remains one of the country’s most polarising figures, often lauded by supporters for his unapologetic rhetoric on land reform and racial justice, while critics accuse him of fanning racial division and radicalising political discourse.

The EFF has yet to issue a formal response to the visa denial. However, political analysts suggest the party may use the decision to further bolster its anti-Western and anti-imperialist narratives, especially ahead of key political milestones.

No Legal Recourse

Unlike most UK immigration refusals, the letter makes clear that there is no right to appeal or administrative review, placing the decision beyond legal contestation.

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This is not the first time Malema has faced travel restrictions over his statements. He has previously been barred from entering Botswana and has faced visa delays in other jurisdictions due to his political positions and associations.