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Corruption at Home Affairs refugee centres in the spotlight

Source: EWN - Dineo Bendile, 23/07/2015

JOHANNESBURG – Corruption Watch has described widespread fraud and
corruption at the Home Affairs department`s refugee reception offices
as a black market.

Corruption Watch says Home Affairs officials are running a black
market at the expense of vulnerable refugees.
On Wednesday, the African Centre for Migration and Society released
the findings of a report, revealing the shocking extent of corruption
in South Africa`s asylum system.

Foreign nationals have apparently been paying bribes to have their
paperwork processed.

Corruption Watch said officials are running a black market at the
expense of vulnerable asylum seekers and refugees.

The organisation`s Kabelo Sedupane said, "This is a very deep-rooted
system, it`s a whole economy on its own."

Sedupane said other foreign nationals have also been found to be
involved in paying bribes.

"Even foreign nationals themselves there are certain nationalities who
work with the department, who work with the officials, who work with
the security guards in getting money."

The organisation said it is hoping to work closely with home affairs
authorities to uncover the root of syndicates and see the removal of
corrupt officers.

Foreign nationals reportedly have to pay multiple bribes at reception
offices to have their paperwork finalised.

Researchers say the single person decision making system is an ideal
breeding ground for corruption.
Some respondents of the study have reported having to pay a bribe to
translators to ensure their version of events is translated accurately.
On average, asylum seekers have reported being forced to pay at least
four bribes to have their legal documents finalised.
Investigations have found that bribes are paid for a number of
reasons, including directing applicants to the correct queue.

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