The Announcement: A Major Crackdown on Fraudulent Study Visas

On February 24, 2026, South Africa's Department of Home Affairs (DHA) announced plans to cancel over 2,000 study visas that were fraudulently issued through internal syndicates involving corrupt officials. This revelation came from an interim report by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), authorized by President Cyril Ramaphosa under Proclamation 154 of 2024. Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber emphasized that administrative processes are underway to revoke these visas and ringfence any subsequent documents obtained by the same individuals, ensuring deportation or prosecution where necessary. The fraud spanned two decades, from October 2004 to February 2024, highlighting systemic vulnerabilities in the manual visa processing system.

This crackdown is part of a broader effort to restore integrity to South Africa's immigration framework, particularly affecting the higher education sector where study visas are crucial for international enrollment. Legitimate universities and colleges in South Africa, such as the University of Cape Town (UCT) and University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), stand to benefit from cleaner systems, though short-term disruptions may occur as verification intensifies.

SIU Investigation: Uncovering 20 Years of Corruption

The SIU's probe exposed a "nefarious syndicate" within DHA where officials treated visas as a marketplace, selling permits to the highest bidder via WhatsApp expedited approvals and payments ranging from R500 to R3,000 through e-wallets or cash hidden in forms. Cyber forensics on 237 seized devices from five refugee reception offices revealed fake documentation, including admission letters from bogus colleges, enabling thousands to enter under false pretenses.

Financial trails were staggering: R181 million linked to fraudulent beneficiaries, with R163 million deposited directly into accounts of officials earning under R25,000 monthly. High-profile cases like Pastor Timothy Omotoso's fraudulent Botswana work permit and Prophet Shepherd Bushiri's permanent residence permit (PRP) underscored the syndicate's reach, though study visas were a primary vector for abuse.

Mechanisms of Fraud: From Fake Docs to Internal Collusion

Fraudsters exploited manual processes with fabricated academic records, English proficiency certificates, and sponsorships from sham institutions. Corrupt adjudicators approved applications without merit, often laundering bribes through spouses' accounts or in-kind favors like rent payments. Identity fraud involved fingerprint swaps using South African citizens' IDs, while DNA manipulation favored PRP applicants in family reunification claims.

Study visas were particularly vulnerable, with syndicates providing counterfeit enrollment confirmations from unregistered colleges. This not only flooded South Africa with unqualified entrants but eroded trust in genuine international student pathways to higher education.

• WhatsApp submissions for fast-track approvals
• E-wallet payments (R500-R3,000 per visa)
• Fake admission letters from bogus colleges
• Biometric tampering (fingerprints, photos)

Accountability: 20 Officials Dismissed and More Actions

Since April 2025, DHA dismissed 20 officials linked to visa corruption, completing 75 disciplinary cases with 16 suspensions and 22 warnings. Criminal referrals are ongoing, signaling a zero-tolerance shift. Minister Schreiber praised ethical staff as "#TeamHomeAffairs" while vowing to protect them from manipulation.

For South African higher education, this purge reassures institutions that collaborate with DHA, reducing risks of unwittingly hosting fraudulent enrollees. Universities like Stellenbosch and UJ have long advocated for stricter vetting to safeguard academic standards.

Visa Cancellations: What Happens Next for Affected Students

The 2,000+ study visas face immediate cancellation, targeting those issued via syndicates. Affected individuals—primarily from high-risk countries—risk deportation, though appeals may prolong stays. Schreiber noted ringfencing to block renewals or extensions.

Prospective international students should verify DHA status via official channels. Legitimate applicants to SA colleges can explore career advice at AcademicJobs higher-ed career advice.

Impacts on South African Higher Education Institutions

While fraud primarily hit bogus colleges, legitimate universities face indirect effects: heightened scrutiny delays genuine applications, straining international offices. Intl students contribute significantly—e.g., UCT reports 25% foreign enrollment fees bolstering revenue amid NSFAS pressures.

Parliament urged unis to comply with immigration for foreign staff (77% non-compliance flagged), linking to visa fraud ecosystems. Positive: Cleaner intl intake enhances reputation, attracts quality talent. .

Universities like Unisa and NWU adapt with digital verification tools, aligning with DHA reforms.

Ongoing War on Bogus Colleges

DHA and DHET campaigns target fake institutions preying on 2026 matriculants. Recent shutdowns in Randburg and East London highlight proliferation in metros. DHET lists unregistered colleges; students lost millions to scams.

• Verify accreditation on DHET site
• Avoid WhatsApp enrollments
• Report suspects to DHA hotline

Government Reforms: Digital Transformation Ahead

DHA prioritizes tech: ETA declined 30,000 risky apps using AI/biometrics; eVisa rollout; facial recognition at ports. Study visas next for digitization, ending manual loopholes.

Stakeholder Perspectives: Unis, Students, Experts

SA universities welcome reforms; Universities South Africa (USAf) calls for seamless verification portals. Intl students fear delays but support integrity. Experts like UCT's migration scholars note fraud distorts demographics, harming diversity.

Quote: "This protects genuine seekers while weeding out abusers." – Prof. from Wits Intl Office.

Photo by Oxana Melis on Unsplash

Future Outlook and Actionable Insights

Post-crackdown, expect 10-20% dip in intl apps short-term, rebound with digital ease. Unis invest in compliance; students use scholarships for legit paths.

Action steps:

• Unis: Integrate DHA APIs
• Students: Verify via official sites
• Apply to university jobs or higher-ed jobs