Nine Bangladeshi nationals intercepted at OR Tambo for using fraudulent travel documents.
Image: Supplied/BMA
Border authorities have refused entry to nine Bangladeshi nationals who attempted to enter South Africa using fraudulent travel documents and visas at OR Tambo International Airport on Thursday morning.
The group was intercepted by immigration officials from the Border Management Authority (BMA) during routine processing after officials detected irregularities in the documents presented by the travellers.
According to the BMA, preliminary investigations revealed that all nine individuals were carrying fraudulent South African visas that purportedly had been issued by the South African High Commission in New Delhi, India.
Three of the travellers, all women, were travelling on Bangladeshi passports. The remaining six, all men, initially presented Indian passports that were later determined to be fraudulent. After further questioning and verification procedures, the men produced Bangladeshi passports, confirming their nationality.
BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato praised immigration officials for identifying the fraudulent documents and preventing the travellers from entering the country.
He said the interception highlighted the growing sophistication of transnational document fraud syndicates and demonstrated the importance of maintaining strong border security measures.
"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," Masiapato said.
He added that criminal syndicates were constantly developing new methods to circumvent immigration controls, but officials remained equipped to detect fraudulent documentation and prevent unlawful entry into the country.
Border Management Authority thwarts entry of nine Bangladeshi nationals with fake documents.
Image: Supplied/BMA
Following the verification process, all nine travellers were declared inadmissible and refused entry in accordance with the Immigration Act and applicable border management regulations. Authorities subsequently made arrangements for their return to Bangladesh.
Masiapato said the BMA remained committed to combating document fraud, human smuggling and other forms of transnational organised crime that threaten national security and the integrity of South Africa's immigration system.
"This interception sends a clear message that South Africa's ports of entry are protected by a capable and vigilant Border Management Authority," he said.
The commissioner said the authority would continue strengthening its detection capabilities, expanding intelligence-led operations and working with domestic and international partners to dismantle criminal networks involved in document fraud and illegal migration.
Investigations are continuing to determine the source of the fraudulent visas and passports and whether the travellers are linked to broader international criminal syndicates.
IOL News