By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Border Management Authority (BMA) has arrested 28 Bangladeshi illegal immigrants at the OR Tambo International Airport just after they landed from Dubai on Saturday.
BMA confirmed that they are on high alert and monitoring movements in all ports of entry ahead of Wednesday’s elections.
The travellers were in contravention of the South African Immigration Act by possessing fraudulent travel documents. The Bangladeshi nationals arrived in the country with visitors’ visas and were denied entry.
The Commissioner of the Border Management Authority, Dr Michael Masiapato, has commended the interception by the BMA Immigration officials and highlighted the importance of collaborations with embassies and foreign missions in verifying visa legitimacy and encouraged improvements on detection systems.
Masiapato also emphasised the need for continued efforts in confiscating illegal documents especially at this critical time of elections.
“I commend the diligent efforts of our immigration officers in intercepting the Bangladesh[i] nationals,” Masiapato said.
“The BMA’s vigilance and commitment to maintaining the integrity of our immigration system is exemplary.
“This operation underscores the importance of our continuous efforts to secure our borders and ensure that all entrants comply with our legal requirements,” he said.
The BMA will continue to tighten its detection systems at the ports of entry.
Four hundred more BMA junior border guards are now entering the system following their pass-out parade and more interceptions are expected across all ports of entry.