Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber has announced plans to revoke over 2,000 fraudulent visas following a Special Investigating Unit (SIU) probe into corruption within the department. The investigation uncovered recurring schemes involving document fraud, visa and work permit manipulation, and facilitation networks enabling unauthorized entry into South Africa.
The SIU report revealed that officials accepted bribes ranging from R500 to R3,000 to issue fraudulent visas and permanent residence permits. Four officials earning less than R25,000 per month received R16.3 million in bribes, and the total loss to the state is estimated at over R180 million.
Schreiber emphasized that administrative measures are being implemented to cancel the fraudulent visas and ensure that wrongdoers are deported or prosecuted. The department is also rolling out an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system to automate visa processing and reduce human interference.
The investigation has led to 20 dismissals, 16 suspensions without pay, and 22 written warnings. Schreiber has requested the National Prosecuting Authority to prioritize criminal prosecutions.
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