The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has disclosed that officials within the Department of Home Affairs allegedly sold visas, permits and citizenship documents for cash, according to SIU Acting Head Leonard Lekgetho.
Lekgetho said the scheme involved the illegal issuing of study visas, work visas, exceptional‑skills visas, permanent‑residence permits, business visas, retired‑persons visas and citizenship naturalisation applications. He added that study visas were reportedly sold for as much as R40 000 and that individuals as young as 40 obtained retired‑persons visas after paying similar bribes.
The SIU describes the network as “highly organised” and says it operated from within Home Affairs. Lekgetho explained that study visas are attractive because they can remain valid for five years and be renewed for another five years, allowing holders to stay in the country for many years without actually studying. The unit warned that the abuse raises “serious concerns about the integrity of South Africa’s immigration system and national security.”
Visa types and reported bribe amounts
| Visa type | Reported bribe amount |
|---|---|
| Study visa | R40 000 |
| Retired‑persons visa | R40 000 |
| Work visa | – |
| Exceptional‑skills visa | – |
| Permanent‑residence permit | – |
| Citizenship naturalisation | – |
| Business visa | – |
The table shows the visa categories identified by the SIU, with bribe amounts specified only for study visas and retired‑persons visas.
The investigation remains active, with the SIU stating that “the tap has been closed” on the illegal practices but that authorities are still working to identify all participants. No arrests have been announced as of the latest update.
The revelations come amid public concern over border security, document fraud and corruption in government institutions, according to the SIU’s briefing.
The SIU said it will continue probing the alleged Home Affairs corruption network to determine the full extent of the wrongdoing.