Home Affairs reports over 300,000 cases of fraudulent visas and permits

CAPE TOWN - The Home Affairs Department says it has identified more than 300,000 cases related to the fraudulent issuing of visas and permits. 

It is now preparing to hand over at least 94 individuals for investigation by the Hawks, on top of 28 others already handed over to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations. 

Home Affairs has been on a year-long audit of its files following an independent investigation of visa corruption in the department dating back 20 years, now known as the Lubisi Report. 

The department was before Parliament on Tuesday to provide a status update.

The number of irregular visa and permit transactions picked up by the Home Affairs Department in the past year is 307,178.

At least 34 officials have been fingered in these cases. 

It has been found that fraudulent medical information has also accompanied visa applications.

At least 78 cases of questionable medical records, and 46 cases of questionable radiology reports. 

But Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said not all the implicated officials are suspended pending investigation. 

"It depends on the nature of the case, it depends on the type of work the person is doing, it depends on the type of investigation, how that person will affect the investigation."