The hotels and accommodation industry in South Africa has become a victim of Pakistanis who book accommodation and end up not showing up.
This is according to Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, who said hotels have complained about a rise in the number of Pakistanis who want accommodation.
This means hotels end up losing money with these dubious bookings and also on other potential visitors who are unable to book because the establishments are supposed to be fully booked.
On Sunday, a team from Home Affairs’ counter-corruption branch, Hawks, State Security Agency, and Border Management Authority intercepted 67 Pakistanis at the O.R Tambo International Airport.
The group had planned to gain entry into the country illegally.
The Pakistanis, who departed for South Africa from Dubai with 268 other travelers, were found to not have complied with South Africa’s immigration laws.
They were sent back home at their own cost, after they failed the immigration test that included questions on how long their visas entitled them to be in the country.
“This is a result of a sting operation that was put together after observing certain trends that were suspicious and did not make sense,” said Motsoaledi.
“The Pakistanis were interviewed by immigration officers and they were asked about where they were going, the purpose of being in South Africa, and where they were going to stay.
“They provided conflicting evidence like giving names of non-existent hotels, names of alleged relatives, some of whom did not even exist.
“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.”
The minister assured South Africans that his department has become more vigilant.
“We are extremely worried by this new trend,” said Motsoaledi.
“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. We will never allow this.”
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