Sixty-seven Pakistani nationals were denied entry into the country and sent back home as soon as they arrived at OR Tambo airport this morning. The Department of Home Affairs says the immigrants did not comply with the country’s immigration laws and were sent back to their home country at their own cost.

FAILING IMMIGRATION TEST

The immigrants failed an immigration test, which included questions on how long their visas entitled them to be in the country. Minister of Home Affairs Dr Aaron Motsoaledi said this is a result of a sting operation that was put together after observing certain trends that were suspicious and did not make sense. "They were interviewed by immigration officers and they were asked about where they are going and about the purpose of being in South Africa and where they were going to stay given that they were coming here for the first time," said Motsoaledi. He added that they provided conflicting evidence like giving names of non-existent hotels, and names of alleged relatives, some of whom did not even exist. 

QUESTIONABLE VISAS 

Motsoaledi said the Pakistanis with questionable visas boarded a flight of 268 passengers that departed for South Africa from Dubai. He said a team comprising the department’s Counter Corruption Branch, the Hawks, the State Security Agency, and the Border Management Authority (BMA) was put together to intercept them upon their arrival. "Essentially, these people wanted to come to South Africa but were unable to explain where they were going and for what reason. There is no other way. They have to return to their home country. We can’t allow such people to enter the country," said Motsoaledi. The minister added that some hotels have complained that there is an increase in the number of Pakistanis who book accommodation and then end up not showing up. This means that the hotels lose money with these dubious bookings and also on other potential visitors who are unable to book because the hotels are supposed to be full. He said the department will be more vigilant than ever before. "We are extremely worried by this new trend and we have noticed that the newly acquired eVisa system, which is meant to facilitate easier entry into the country by tourists, is being seriously abused by some nationals. We will never allow this," said Motsoaledi.