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South Africa’s Home Affairs to Revoke Over 2,000 Fraudulent Visas
by Echos News Editorial Team: February 24, 2026
The Department of Home Affairs has announced decisive action against widespread visa fraud, confirming that more than 2,000 visas flagged as irregular will be revoked. This follows a far‑reaching investigation by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), which uncovered systemic corruption and fraudulent practices within the immigration system. Read the original MSN report here.
Minister Leon Schreiber’s Announcement
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber confirmed during a media briefing in Pretoria that the department has already begun administrative steps to withdraw visas obtained unlawfully. He emphasized that accountability is central to the process, stating that fraudulent permits undermine the integrity of South Africa’s immigration system.
“We’re looking at administrative processes to potentially revoke over 2,000 visas that may have come fraudulently out of this work. Accountability is happening, and we are enforcing serious consequences while also changing the system,” Schreiber said.
Disciplinary Action Against Officials
The crackdown is not limited to fraudulent applicants. Home Affairs has also taken disciplinary measures against its own employees implicated in corruption and maladministration. Since April 2025, 20 officials have been dismissed and 16 suspended. In total, more than 55 dismissals have been recorded since July 2024, with additional disciplinary processes still underway.
Authorities have also referred 275 cases for criminal prosecution, while 111 investigations have already been finalized. These figures highlight the scale of misconduct within the department and the seriousness of the government’s response.
SIU Findings: A Multi‑Million Rand Corruption Scheme
The SIU’s interim report revealed a corruption network valued at more than R16 million. Investigators linked the scheme to high‑profile religious figures, including Shepherd Bushiri, Timothy Omotoso, and Kudakwashe Mpofu. According to the report, the network facilitated fraudulent permanent residence permits and immigration approvals, exploiting weaknesses in Home Affairs’ systems.
The investigation was authorized by President Cyril Ramaphosa after whistleblowers raised concerns about irregular visa approvals. The SIU’s findings underscore how external actors colluded with insiders to manipulate immigration processes for profit. See the SIU’s interim report summary here.
Systemic Weaknesses in Immigration Processes
SIU head Leonard Lekgetho described the findings as evidence of systemic corruption. He noted that officials entrusted with safeguarding immigration integrity instead turned their positions into profit‑making schemes. Fraudulent documents, internal collusion, and system loopholes enabled unauthorized individuals to secure permanent residence.
This revelation raises broader concerns about the resilience of South Africa’s immigration framework. It suggests that without structural reforms, similar abuses could recur, undermining public trust in the department.
Broader Implications for Immigration Policy
The revocation of fraudulent visas is not just an administrative exercise—it signals a broader shift in immigration governance. By targeting both corrupt officials and fraudulent applicants, Home Affairs aims to restore credibility to its processes. The move also sends a strong message to criminal networks that exploit immigration loopholes.
For legitimate applicants, the crackdown may result in stricter vetting procedures and longer processing times. While this could pose challenges, it is a necessary step to ensure fairness and integrity in the system.
Public Reaction and Accountability
Public reaction to the announcement has been mixed. Many South Africans welcome the crackdown, viewing it as overdue accountability for corruption that has plagued the department for years. Others worry about the potential impact on foreign nationals who may have unknowingly been caught up in fraudulent schemes.
Civil society organizations have called for transparency in the revocation process, urging Home Affairs to publish clear criteria for identifying fraudulent visas. They argue that accountability must extend beyond dismissals and suspensions, ensuring that criminal prosecutions are pursued vigorously.
Looking Ahead
The revocation of over 2,000 visas marks a turning point in South Africa’s fight against immigration fraud. With disciplinary actions already underway and criminal referrals in progress, the government is signaling its commitment to reform. However, long‑term success will depend on structural changes that close loopholes, strengthen oversight, and rebuild public trust.
As Minister Schreiber emphasized, accountability is not just about punishing wrongdoing—it is about transforming systems to prevent future abuses. The coming months will reveal whether Home Affairs can deliver on this promise and restore integrity to South Africa’s immigration processes.
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