South Africa’s Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has revealed that the country’s immigration system has been operating like a marketplace, with permits and visas effectively sold to the highest bidder. Investigators found that a small group of officials exploited weaknesses in the system for years, enriching themselves by accepting payments in exchange for issuing visas and residence permits.

The SIU has also traced financial gains exceeding $11 million linked to fraudulent visa applications, many of which were processed using fake or manipulated documentation.

Innocent Semosa spoke to Lebogang Ramafoko, Executive Director at Corruption Watch.