South African officials at OR Tambo International Airport thwarted an attempt by 67 Pakistani nationals to enter the country illegally.
Pakistani travellers caught with fake visas departed from Dubai
The individuals, who possessed questionable visas, were part of a group of 268 passengers arriving from Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The operation, conducted by a collaborative team of authorities, including the Department of Home Affairs Counter Corruption Branch, the Hawks, the State Security Agency, and the Border Management Authority (BMA), led to the apprehension of the Pakistani nationals.
Home Affairs Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi lauded the swift action taken to prevent the illegal entry of Pakistani nationals.
The minister emphasised that their denial of entry was a direct consequence of their failure to meet the immigration criteria, including providing satisfactory answers about their visa entitlements and the purpose of the visit.
Minister Motsoaledi explained that the apprehension resulted from a meticulously planned sting operation, initiated after authorities observed suspicious trends and inconsistencies in the travellers’ claims.
The minister highlighted that the operation was pivotal in upholding South Africa’s immigration laws and ensuring that individuals entering the country comply with the necessary protocols.
South African hotels targeted by this travel scam
Upon questioning, the Pakistani nationals were unable to provide coherent and consistent information about their visit to South Africa. Their inability to explain their purpose of visit, destination, and accommodation raised red flags.
Minister Motsoaledi cited instances where travellers provided fictitious hotel names and nonexistent relatives as part of their claims.
The 67 Pakistani nationals have been returned to their home country at their own expense. Minister Motsoaledi underscored the financial implications of such actions, noting that hotels in South Africa have reported losses due to dubious bookings, which in turn affect genuine visitors who are unable to secure accommodation.
The newly introduced eVisa system, designed to streamline entry procedures for tourists, has come under scrutiny due to its misuse by some nationals.
Minister Motsoaledi expressed concern over the abuse of this system and reiterated the government’s commitment to preventing such exploitation.
“We are extremely worried by his new trend and we have noticed that the newly acquired eVisa system, which is meant to facilitate easier entry into the country by tourists, is being seriously abused by some nationals. We will never allow this,” Motsoaledi said.
