JOHANNESBURG – South Africa’s government claimed Tuesday that Ryanair had forced UK-bound passengers with a South African passport to undergo a Afrikaans language test. The move was described as a “backward profiling scheme”.

A low-cost Irish airline has started to force UK-bound travellers with South African passports, starting last week. It requires them to test their Afrikaans proficiency. A language that is spoken only by 12% of South Africans and frequently associated with Apartheid-style white minority rule.

Europe’s biggest airline, by passenger count, does not offer flights to South Africa. It had stated that they were doing so to combat the large number of South African passports being faked.

South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs stated that the local government was aware of measures and regularly works with airlines in an effort to reduce fake documents.

According to the department, “We are shocked at the airline’s decision.”

Access to the “Advanced Passenger Processing” system is available to all airlines. This allows them to screen passengers before they leave. The government offers a 24 hour service that airlines can use to verify South African passports.

“It’s not known to what extent this airline used these services prior to resorting to the backward profiling system.”