Mos Def banned from South Africa for trying to use a" word passport" after visa expired.

Hip hop star Mos Def has been arrested in South Africa for using an unrecognized 'world passport'.

The rapper and actor, who now goes by the name Yasiin Bey, was detained at Cape Town International Airport for violating immigration laws, a government spokesman said.

When asked to present his travel documents when trying to leave South Africa, Mos Def handed over a world passport instead of a genuine one, officials said.

The  Love & Money singer, who was born Dante Smith, now has 14 days to leave the country.

South African Department of Home Affairs spokesman Mayihlome Tshwete said Mos Def, 42, entered the country in 2013 on an American visa, but overstayed his visitors' permit, which expired in 2014.

He had tried to leave using a world passport - a document that is not accepted in most countries but whose owners claim gives them the right to enter or leave any country as stipulated by the United Nations.

Explaining the court's decision, Mr Tshwete wrote on Twitter: 'We are all fans guys... but the law is the law.' 

He continued: 'With regards to Mr Smith (Mos Def), SAPS (South African Police Service) has charged him with usage of fraudulent travel documents. The matter is currently before the courts. 

'Mr Smith has been living in SA with his family without the necessary permits, he was detained upon departure for using illegal travel docs.

'Mr Smith came into SA with a legitimate US passport but since overstayed his visitors permit. Mr Smith was departing SA using a "World Passport", SA does not recognise a "World Passport".

'The Department Of Home Affairs has given Mr Smith and his family 14 days to leave the republic.'

Mos Def, whose tracks also include Mathematics and Ms. Fat Booty, has reportedly lived in Cape Town since May 2013.

Aside from his music, he also starred in films such as The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy, the 2003 remake of The Italian Job and Life of Crime. He also appeared in television shows Dexter and House.

He was nominated for a Golden Globe and an Emmy in 2004 for his performance as surgeon Vivien Thomas in Something the Lord Made.