Some have built mansions – sources

MBABANE – Well-placed sources within the Ministry of Home Affairs have alleged that some officials have benefitted millions through the illegal issuance of e-visas to foreign nationals.

According to our sources, the officials were charging the desperate foreign nationals huge amounts of money per e-visa issuance.

“We have witnessed these officials purchasing plush motor vehicles and residences. Some of these properties are an impossible acquisition for a civil servant,” alleged the source.

However, the ministry’s Communication Officer Mlandvo Dlamini said it would be not wise to reveal more details before the tabling of the report of the internal investigations.

The sources have revealed that some would be charged through the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) and they stand to lose them to the State. This matter as the influx of illegal immigrants spoils the good name and the relationship the country has with its neighbours.

The former chief immigration officer, in an earlier interview, did point out that the outcome of the internal enquiry would determine if there were indeed culprits or if a crime was committed.

It is worth noting that when planning to leave your native country and visits other countries leisurely or for business, which procedure says one should approach or apply through the Ministry of Home Affairs online and it is up to the information you submit that is crucial which the officials use to approve or decline your application.

DeporteD

Well-placed sources within the ministry have disclosed that now it is not easy for the foreign nationals to acquire the e-visas. “Most have been turned down and some have been deported back to their native countries,” said the source.

The former chief immigration even added that the blockage of the e-visas was prompted by national security concerns.

Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo, in a previous interview, advised every foreign national planning to come and invest in Eswatini to follow the right channels when applying for visas and work permits.

He welcomed foreign nationals and said the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) was there to offer them any assistance.