Leon Schreiber says the Department of Home Affairs is initiating processes to revoke more than 2,000 visas believed to have been fraudulently issued, as part of an intensified anti-corruption drive within the department.
Speaking during a media briefing in Pretoria on Monday, Schreiber outlined progress made following a probe by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU). The investigation uncovered recurring schemes involving document fraud, irregular visa and work permit approvals, and organised facilitation networks that enabled unauthorised entry into South Africa.
According to Schreiber, decisive action has been taken against implicated officials. Since April last year, 20 Home Affairs employees have been dismissed, while 16 others have been suspended over allegations of serious maladministration.
He added that, more broadly, more than 55 officials have been dismissed since July 2024, with 20 of those dismissals occurring from April last year.
The Minister revealed that the department has made 275 criminal referrals linked to the investigation, while 111 cases have already been finalised. Several disciplinary processes remain ongoing.
“We’re also looking at administrative processes to potentially revoke over 2,000 visas that may have been issued fraudulently through these schemes,” Schreiber said. “Accountability is happening. We are enforcing serious consequences for those involved, and at the same time we are working to change the system to prevent this from happening again.”
Schreiber emphasised that beyond disciplinary action, systemic reforms are being implemented to tighten controls and strengthen oversight within Home Affairs, aimed at restoring public trust and safeguarding the integrity of South Africa’s immigration processes.
About The Author
