Investigations reveal that certain South African officials profited significantly from the sale of visas and residency permits
A government investigation revealed on Monday that South Africa’s immigration system had been manipulated for years by a select group of officials who profited by accepting payments in return for granting visas and residence permits.
The inquiry, initiated by President Cyril Ramaphosa, revealed that immigration had been “treated as a marketplace” and scrutinized corruption related to visa issuance from 2004 to 2024, prior to the establishment of the current coalition government.
The statement from the state’s Special Investigating Unit (SIU) revealed that while the officials were not identified, four of them collectively received more than 16 million rand ($1 million) in direct deposits.
One constructed a mansion, while others acquired several properties outright, it reported. “These findings indicate that corruption within the visa system is not accidental; it is systematic and intentional and severely undermines public trust,” the SIU stated.
It reported having “uncovered a troubling reality: South Africa’s immigration system has been regarded as a marketplace, where permits and visas were sold to the highest bidder.”
Applications were regularly submitted through WhatsApp for quick approval, following which payments were made to the spouses of the officials, it stated. In some instances, cash was concealed within application forms.
South Africa’s paper-based immigration system has faced ongoing criticism for its sluggishness and susceptibility to corruption, as applicants resort to bribery to expedite decisions or circumvent requirements.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber stated that his department is primarily focusing on combating fraud by digitizing its systems. The organization is currently transitioning to an electronic travel authorization platform. “It is only through systemic reform rooted in digital transformation and the application of modern technology that we can effectively eliminate opportunities for corruption,” he stated.
The SIU reported that it had submitted 275 criminal referrals to the National Prosecuting Authority. Schreiber announced the dismissal of 20 home affairs officials since April of the previous year.
Corruption within government sectors has led to a decrease in the popularity of Ramaphosa’s African National Congress party recently, and he has consistently vowed to address this issue.
