Home affairs department forced to be more vigilant than ever before: Motsoaledi

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The home affairs minister Aaron Motsoaledi says the department is more vigilant than ever before of foreign nationals who try to enter the country illegally.

This comes after 67 Pakistan nationals were intercepted at OR Tambo International Airport on the weekend.

Motsoaledi says they were trying to enter into South Africa without complying with immigration laws.

He adds; “The Pakistanis nationals with questionable visas were on a flight that departed for South Africa from Dubai.”

The minister says when they were questioned about their movements and reasons for being in the country, they gave misleading information.

“Essentially, these people wanted to come to South Africa but were unable to explain where they were going and for what reason. There is no other way. They have to return to their home country. We can’t allow such people to enter the country,” Motsoaledi lamented. 

[Watch] @HomeAffairsSA Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has welcomed the interception of 67 Pakistani nationals at the @ortambo_int Airport in Gauteng after allegedly entering the country without complying with the immigration laws of the country. pic.twitter.com/FU9VHgvpRL

— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) August 13, 2023

Motsoaledi said some hotels have complained that there is an increase in the number of Pakistanis who book accommodation and then end up not showing up. 

“This means that the hotels lose money with these dubious bookings and also on other potential visitors who are unable to book because the hotels are supposed to be full.” 

He said the department has been forced to be more vigilant than ever before. 

The group has since been sent back to their home country at their own cost.

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