Ottawa, Sep. 4 : The Canadian Government has decided to challenge a decision by the country’s Immigration and Refugee Board, which granted refugee status to a white South African because of the colour of his skin.

Brandon Huntley, 31, who had been illegally staying in Canada from 2006, argued that his safety would be in danger if he returned to South Africa, The Globe and Mail reports.

He also claimed he''d been the victim of seven attempted robberies and called a “white dog” and “settler.” He did not report any of the incidents to police, saying he did not trust them.

His refugee claim was accepted by lone board member William Davis, who noted that Huntley had scars on his body to support his account of the attacks.

The panel''s decision infuriated South African officials who labelled Canada as “racist.”

South Africa''s top diplomat has been urging Canadian officials all week to challenge the decision in court.

On Thursday, a spokesperson for Immigration Minister Jason Kenney confirmed Ottawa will seek leave to appeal the decision that allowed Huntley to live in Canada as a refugee.

“The government is going to be seeking leave to appeal the IRB''s decision to grant Huntley refugee status [to] the Federal Court,” spokesman Alykhan Velshi said.

“Our department''s lawyers, as well as those from the Department of Justice reviewed the IRB ruling over the last several days and we''re going to seek leave to appeal and we''ll be making submissions to the court in the fullness of time, and it would be inappropriate to comment further because the matter will be before the courts.” (ANI)