28 Bangladeshi intercepted at OR Tambo Airport

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The Border Management Authority (BMA) has arrested 28 Bangladeshi illegal immigrants at the OR Tambo International Airport on Saturday.

The Bangladeshis were nabbed in the country on a flight from Dubai.

In a statement issued, the agency spokesperson Mmemme Mogotsi confirmed that 27 Bangladesh nationals were found to be in possession of fraudulent visas and one Bangladeshi did not have a visa at all. 

“The travellers were in contravention of the South African Immigration Act by possessing fraudulent travel documents. The Bangladesh nationals arrived in the country with visitors’ visas and were denied entry,” Mogotsi stated. 

Meanwhile, BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato commended the interception by the Immigration officials.

He said the success highlights the importance of collaborations with embassies and foreign missions in verifying visa legitimacy and encouraged improvements on detection systems. 

Masiapato also emphasised the need for continued efforts in confiscating illegal documents especially at this critical time of elections. 

“I commend the diligent efforts of our immigration officers in intercepting the Bangladesh nationals. The BMA’s vigilance and commitment to maintaining the integrity of our immigration system is exemplary.

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“This operation underscores the importance of our continuous efforts to secure our borders and ensure that all entrants comply with our legal requirements,” Commissioner Masiapato added.

BMA said it will continue to tighten its detection systems at South Africa’s ports of entry.

Four hundred more Border Management Authority’s junior border guards are in the process of entering the system, following their pass-out parade held last week.