Nine Bangladeshi nationals denied entry at OR Tambo after using fake passports and visas

Border authorities at OR Tambo International Airport refused entry to nine Bangladeshi nationals after immigration officials detected irregularities in travel documents during routine processing on Thursday morning, the Border Management Authority (BMA) said.

How the fraud was detected

The BMA said officers identified fraudulent South African visas that purported to have been issued by the South African High Commission in New Delhi, India. The travellers were intercepted by immigration officials during routine verification procedures after irregularities in the documents were noticed.

What the travellers presented

According to the BMA, three of the travellers all women held Bangladeshi passports. The other six initially presented Indian passports that were later determined to be fraudulent. After further questioning and verification, the six men produced Bangladeshi passports, confirming their nationality.

BMA response and next steps

BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato praised officials for identifying the fraudulent documents and said the interception highlighted the sophistication of transnational document fraud syndicates and the importance of 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.

Following verification, the BMA declared all nine travellers inadmissible and refused them entry in accordance with the Immigration Act and applicable border management regulations. Authorities made arrangements for their return to Bangladesh.

Investigations continuing

The commissioner said the authority would continue strengthening detection capabilities, expanding intelligence-led operations and working with domestic and international partners to dismantle criminal networks involved in document fraud and illegal migration.

“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.

Investigations are continuing to determine the source of the fraudulent visas and passports and whether the travellers are linked to broader international criminal syndicates.