Toronto, Sep 3 - The Canadian decision to grant refugee status to a white South African who alleged racial discrimination in his home country has assumed racial overtones, with South Africa criticising the decision.

Brandon Huntley, who came to Canada in 2006 and was granted refugee status last week, said he could not find a job in his native country because of his skin colour. He alleged that repeated attacks by robbers and muggers forced him to seek refuge in Canada.

In his application, Huntley said whites in South Africa are at the receiving end from black criminals, and the government was doing nothing to protect them.

In granting Huntley permanent stay in Canada, the immigration and tribunal judge said the man has 'presented clear and convincing proof of the state's inability or unwillingness to protect him. I find that the claimant was a victim because of his race (white South African) rather than a victim of criminality.'

But the ruling infuriated South Africa which called Huntley's allegations 'sensational and alarming'.

Reports here quoted South African immigration ministry spokesperson Ronnie Mamoepa as saying that Huntley's allegations were 'racially motivated and aimed at tarnishing the good name of black and white South Africans'.