Home Affairs Visa Scam Exposed

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has uncovered a large-scale permit and visa racket within the Department of Home Affairs, estimated to have cost the state more than R180 million.

Acting on a whistleblower tip-off, investigators discovered that four officials — each earning an estimated monthly salary of about R25,000 — allegedly made millions by selling permits and visas to foreign nationals. According to the SIU, the officials used their spouses to launder illicit funds into luxury properties and high-end vehicles.

Acting SIU Head Leonard Lekgetho said the evidence points to serious weaknesses in border and immigration systems, warning that South Africa’s borders have effectively been compromised. He described the department’s operations as being treated “like a marketplace”.

The investigation further revealed that organised syndicates were working with officials responsible for assessing asylum seeker applications. Following a 2024 raid on five refugee reception centres, during which laptops and mobile devices were seized, the SIU found evidence that favourable application outcomes were being sold for between R500 and R3,000.

“The SIU investigation revealed that certain officials turned the permit system into a marketplace,” Lekgetho said. “Their modus operandi was simple: applications were sent via WhatsApp for expedited approval, and once approved, money flowed almost immediately.”

The findings expose deep-rooted corruption within the immigration system and raise serious concerns about national security, border control and the integrity of asylum and permit processes in South Africa.