Indian passports used in failed bid to enter South Africa by Bangladeshi travelers

Share the Article:

Nine Bangladeshi nationals were intercepted by the Border Management Authority (BMA) immigration officials on Thursday morning at OR Tambo International Airport.

They attempted to enter South Africa using fraudulent travel documents and Indian passports.

According to BMA, an interception took place during the immigration processing this morning.

Commissioner Dr. Michael Masiapato confirmed that officials discovered irregularities in the travel documents submitted by the travellers, which led to the necessity for further scrutiny and appropriate actions to address the situation.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that all nine individuals were in possession of fraudulent South African visas purportedly issued by the South African High Commission in New Delhi, India.

“Of the nine travellers, three females were travelling on ordinary Bangladeshi passports, while six males initially presented fraudulent Indian passports.

“Upon further questioning and verification, the six males subsequently produced their Bangladeshi passports,” he explained.

Commissioner Masiapato said the interception demonstrates the increasing sophistication of transnational document fraud syndicates and underscores the importance of maintaining robust border security measures.

He continued, “The detection of these fraudulent visas and passports is a testament to the vigilance, expertise, and commitment of BMA officials who continue to safeguard the integrity of South Africa’s borders.

“Criminal syndicates are constantly devising new methods to circumvent immigration controls, but our officials remain alert and equipped to identify fraudulent documentation and prevent unlawful entry into the country.”

Journey back to Bangladesh

After completing the verification process, nine individuals were denied entry into South Africa under the Immigration Act and pertinent border management protocols, as stated by Masiapato.

Following this decision, measures were undertaken to ensure their return to Bangladesh.

He emphasised that the BMA remains resolute in its efforts to combat document fraud, human smuggling, and other forms of transnational organised crime that threaten national security and the integrity of South Africa’s immigration system.

ALSO READ | Political parties cautioned: Don’t use IEC branding illegally

“This interception sends a clear message that South Africa’s ports of entry are protected by a capable and vigilant border management authority.

“We will continue to strengthen our detection capabilities, enhance intelligence-led operations, and collaborate with domestic and international partners to dismantle criminal networks involved in document fraud and illegal migration,” he said.

The Commissioner has indicated that investigations are currently being conducted to trace the origin of fraudulent visas and passports, as well as to assess potential connections to larger criminal syndicates that operate internationally.