South Africa’s busiest airport once again became the frontline of border security after officials intercepted 30 foreign nationals in two separate incidents linked to visa fraud, irregular migration, and possible human trafficking.
The interceptions took place on Thursday, 11 December 2025, during intensified festive season operations, Acting Border Management Authority (BMA) commissioner Jane Thupana confirmed on Friday.
14 Ethiopian nationals flagged on arrival
The first group, consisting of 14 Ethiopian nationals – five men and nine women – arrived at OR Tambo International on an Ethiopian Airlines flight. Their travel patterns were flagged through advance passenger data, triggering closer inspection.
According to the BMA, their movements resembled a common method used by trafficking syndicates: entering South Africa to transit to neighbouring countries, then re-entering the country irregularly to avoid detection.
All 14 individuals were detained pending further processing.
16 Bangladeshis caught with fraudulent visas
In the second incident, immigration officers intercepted 16 Bangladeshi men who had attempted to blend in with South African passengers in the arrivals terminal. Their behaviour prompted profiling, and officers removed them from the queue for further checks.
Investigations revealed their visas were fraudulent, and officials said their stated reasons for entering South Africa were inconsistent with legitimate travel, raising concerns of possible trafficking or exploitation.
BMA praises vigilant enforcement
Thupana applauded officers for their alertness and intelligence-led approach, highlighting the effective combination of behavioural profiling, advanced passenger analytics, and on-the-ground enforcement.
“This shows that South Africa will not be used as a transit corridor by organised criminal networks,” she said.
Festive season security clampdown continues
The BMA confirmed that increased security measures will remain in place across all ports of entry throughout the festive season to combat irregular migration, visa fraud, and human trafficking.
Members of the public are encouraged to report suspicious activities to the Operation Hi-Tivise hotline: 0801 229 019.
