By Mapaballo Borotho

- Nine Bangladeshi nationals were intercepted at OR Tambo International Airport after allegedly presenting fraudulent South African visas and Indian passports.
- Border Management Authority officials discovered that six of the travellers were carrying Bangladeshi passports after initially presenting fraudulent Indian documents.
- All nine individuals were denied entry into South Africa in accordance with the Immigration Act.
Nine Bangladeshi nationals were arrested at OR Tambo International Airport on Friday, 11 June 2026, after being found in possession of fraudulent South African visas and Indian passports.
According to the Border Management Authority (BMA), the fraudulent visas purportedly originated from the South African High Commission in New Delhi, India.
Of the nine travellers, three females were travelling on ordinary Bangladeshi passports, while six males initially presented fraudulent Indian passports.
Upon further questioning and verification, the six males subsequently produced their Bangladeshi passports.
“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.
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,” said Border Management Authority Commissioner Michael Masiapato.
All nine individuals have been denied entry into South Africa in accordance with the Immigration Act.
The interception comes at a time of heightened focus on immigration enforcement in South Africa, ahead of the 30 June 2026 deadline that has been widely discussed in relation to undocumented foreign nationals.
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