Home Affairs officials allegedly took kickbacks to approve fraudulent visas
The SIU says 205 visas obtained with fraudulent supporting documents have been flagged for revocation, while seven disciplinary referrals have been made against Home Affairs employees.
Home Affairs officials allegedly accepted bribes to approve fraudulent visas for ineligible applicants, according to a Special Investigating Unit (SIU) report. The SIU identified 205 visas revoked and awaiting deportation due to fraudulent supporting documents. Seven disciplinary actions have been taken, including against officials who have since departed the department.
The SIU, probing maladministration, fraud, and corruption in Home Affairs' immigration systems, stated the corruption stemmed from kickbacks received by officials to overlook fraudulent documents and grant visas to undeserving individuals. This ongoing investigation may reveal additional implicated officials, the SIU spokesperson noted.
The SIU's findings reveal that Home Affairs officials "simply did not conduct any verification" of applicants' supporting documents, a practice they attributed to receiving kickbacks. The SIU recommends reducing human intervention through technology and digital systems to close the loopholes exploited by officials. The Department of Home Affairs has acknowledged the vulnerability created by manual processes and is pushing for digital transformation to minimize manipulation of visa applications.
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