South Africa is preparing to revoke more than 2,000 visas suspected of being fraudulently issued, as authorities step up efforts to clean up corruption within the Department of Home Affairs.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber said the government is reviewing administrative processes to cancel visas linked to corrupt networks that manipulated the immigration system.
The move follows an extensive probe by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), which uncovered schemes involving document fraud, irregular visa approvals and facilitation networks enabling unauthorised entry.
Since April last year, 20 officials have been dismissed and 16 suspended, with more than 55 dismissals recorded since July 2024. The SIU has made 275 criminal referrals to the National Prosecuting Authority and finalised 111 investigations.
The investigation ordered by President Cyril Ramaphosa — found that immigration processes had effectively been “treated as a marketplace,” with officials allegedly receiving large deposits and cash payments in exchange for visas.
Schreiber said reforms, including the rollout of an electronic travel authorisation system, are aimed at closing loopholes and preventing future abuse.
SOURCE: TRT AFRICA
