A long-running investigation into South Africa’s visa system has exposed allegations that some Home Affairs officials deliberately bypassed document checks in exchange for payments.
The Special Investigating Unit says it has identified 205 visas for possible revocation and deportation after investigators found the supporting documents were fraudulent.
The probe has also resulted in seven disciplinary referrals involving current and former employees.
Manual system left room for abuse
The SIU found that officials responsible for assessing visa applications did not always verify supporting documents before approving applications.
According to SIU spokesperson Selby Makgotho, investigators believe some of these failures were linked to kickbacks from foreign nationals.
The investigation, authorised under Proclamation 154 of 2024, covers nearly two decades of immigration administration.
It includes work, study, business, critical-skills and permanent-residence applications.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber has previously said the department’s paper-based processes created opportunities for manipulation and allowed officials to approve applications that did not meet requirements.
SIU pushes for automated checks
The SIU has recommended stronger digital controls to reduce opportunities for officials to interfere with applications.
Its proposals include linking Home Affairs systems with other government departments so that document verification can take place automatically.
The unit said this would reduce reliance on manual checks, which investigators found were sometimes ignored altogether.
Parliament has also raised concerns about fragmented systems and previously warned that corruption involving immigration documents could weaken border controls and the rule of law.
Cases referred for further action
The SIU has made criminal referrals to the National Prosecuting Authority and administrative referrals to Home Affairs.
It is also working with authorities to prevent people facing criminal proceedings from being deported before those matters are finalised.
Individuals linked to adverse findings have been flagged to stop further visas being issued to them.
Schreiber has separately said more than 2,000 study visas were fraudulently issued through syndicates and are being targeted for cancellation.
He also said 20 Home Affairs officials had been dismissed since April 2025.
The SIU says its investigation is continuing and more officials could still be identified.