South Africa’s immigration system has effectively been “sold, one permit at a time,” according to an interim report by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), which has uncovered widespread corruption within the Department of Home Affairs.
The SIU found that some officials allegedly turned their positions into profit-making operations, collectively pocketing more than R16 million through fraudulent activities. Meanwhile, foreign nationals who secured illegal entry into the country are believed to have generated more than R181 million through unlawful gains.
The interim report also points to cases where controversial religious leaders were able to enter the country using fraudulent documentation, raising further concerns about the integrity of the system.
As a result of the findings, Home Affairs has launched internal disciplinary proceedings and dismissed 58 officials implicated in wrongdoing.
Investigators say permits and visas were effectively treated as commodities sold, traded and laundered for personal benefit undermining border controls and national security.
To date, 275 criminal referrals have been made to the National Prosecuting Authority for possible prosecution.
The SIU said its investigations are ongoing, with a final report expected to be completed by September.