The Border Management Authority (BMA) has intercepted nine Bangladeshi nationals at OR Tambo International Airport after they allegedly attempted to enter South Africa using fraudulent visas and passports.
The interception took place on Thursday morning, 11 June 2026, during routine immigration processing when BMA officials detected irregularities in the travel documents presented by the travellers.
BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato praised immigration officials for their vigilance, saying the operation highlights the authority’s ongoing efforts to protect South Africa’s borders from transnational organised crime.
According to preliminary investigations, all nine travellers were found to be in possession of fraudulent South African visas purportedly issued by the South African High Commission in New Delhi, India.
Authorities revealed that three female travellers were carrying ordinary Bangladeshi passports, while six male travellers initially presented Indian passports that were later found to be fraudulent.
Following further questioning and verification processes, the six men subsequently produced Bangladeshi passports, confirming their true nationality.
Masiapato said the incident demonstrates the growing sophistication of international document fraud syndicates seeking to circumvent immigration controls.
“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,” he said.
“Criminal syndicates are constantly devising new methods to circumvent immigration controls, but our officials remain alert and equipped to identify fraudulent documentation and prevent unlawful entry into the country.”
Following the verification process, all nine individuals were denied entry into South Africa in accordance with the Immigration Act and applicable border management protocols.
Arrangements were subsequently made for their repatriation to Bangladesh.
The commissioner said the BMA remains committed to combating document fraud, human smuggling and other forms of transnational organised crime that pose a threat to national security and the integrity of the country’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,” Masiapato said.
“We will continue to strengthen our detection capabilities, enhance intelligence-led operations and collaborate with domestic and international partners to dismantle criminal networks involved in document fraud and illegal migration.”
Investigations are now underway to establish the origin of the fraudulent visas and passports and to determine whether the travellers are linked to a broader criminal syndicate operating across international borders.
The BMA said it remains committed to facilitating legitimate travel while ensuring that all individuals entering and leaving South Africa comply with the country’s immigration laws and border management requirements.
