South Africa’s immigration permit system has been treated like a “marketplace”, with permits and visas allegedly sold and laundered for private gain, according to an interim report by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).

SIU Flags Organised Networks Inside Home Affairs

The SIU says its investigation points to systemic corruption within the Department of Home Affairs. In a summary shared publicly, the unit said officials enriched themselves by unlawfully issuing permits. It also alleged that spouses were used as conduits to launder bribes and that syndicates exploited weaknesses in the system.

Permits, Visas and Third Parties Used to Hide Payments

The interim probe names schemes involving permanent residence permits, corporate visas and business visas. It also points to the use of spouses and third parties to conceal payments linked to immigration outcomes.

The SIU also referenced allegations from a whistleblower claiming that some foreign nationals entered South Africa, fraudulently obtained asylum seeker permits and later used them to apply for permanent residence, ultimately working towards citizenship.

How Bribes Allegedly Moved Through the System

In details shared from the investigation, the SIU described multiple payment methods used to move bribes. These included cash hidden in application forms while office doors were closed to avoid cameras, E-Wallet deposits using non-RICA-registered or fraudulently RICA-registered numbers and cases where asylum seekers allegedly sent E-Wallet payments to themselves and provided OTPs to others.

The SIU also described a pattern where applications were sent via WhatsApp for expedited approval, followed by money moving soon after approval.

What Happens Next

Acting SIU head Leonard Lekgetho presented the interim report and evidence gathered during searches and seizures, alongside Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber. The SIU says its findings could drive urgent changes to controls, staffing and oversight to protect applicants and rebuild public trust.