Just two days before the elections, the Border Management Authority (BMA) is on high alert at all ports of entry to monitor the movement of people and goods.
On Saturday evening, BMA immigration officials conducted an intelligence-driven operation on a flight from Dubai.
A total of 28 Bangladeshis were intercepted on arrival at OR Tambo International Airport.
During the operation, 27 Bangladeshis were found to be in possession of fraudulent visas, while one person did not have a visa.
Efforts to secure borders
The group was found to be in contravention of the Immigration Act by possessing fraudulent travel documents.
They arrived in the country with visitors’ visas and were denied entry.
The commissioner of the BMA, Dr Michael Masiapato, commended his team and highlighted the importance of collaboration with embassies and foreign missions in verifying visa legitimacy.
Masiapato also encouraged improvements to the country’s detection systems, emphasising the need for continued efforts to confiscate illegal documents, especially at this critical time of elections.
“I commend the diligent efforts of our immigration officers in intercepting the Bangladeshi nationals,” said Masiapato.
“The BMA’s vigilance and commitment to maintaining the integrity of our immigration system are exemplary.
“This operation underscores the importance of our continuous efforts to secure our borders and ensure that all entrants comply with our legal requirements.”
Junior border guards
The BMA will continue to tighten its detection systems at the ports of entry.
The arrests happened after 400 more junior border guards entered the system following their pass-out parade.
More interceptions were expected across all ports of entry 11 days ago.
This was after the new recruits completed their training at the South African Police Training College in Pretoria West.
The junior border guards were deployed at the various ports of entry throughout the country and were officially assigned as law-enforcement officers with the responsibility to arrest and deport illegal migrants at all ports of entry. – SAnews.gov.za
