Nigerians turned away at OR Tambo couldn't prove host's identity, said BMA

An incident involving three Nigerian nationals detained at OR Tambo on Easter Sunday has sparked online claims of unfair treatment and xenophobia.

The South African Border Management Authority's (BMA's) Deputy Assistant Commissioner Nick Makey said some foreign nationals require a visa to enter the country, while others don't.

"In the case of the gentlemen, they are from Nigeria, so they are visa-required. But when you are in possession of a visa, that does not constitute an automatic entry into the country. That only gives you the right to travel to South Africa and to present yourself to an immigration officer.

"When a person presents themselves to an immigration officer, that person shall, in terms of Section 9 of the Immigration Act, satisfy the immigration officer that he or she, among other things, is not an illegal foreigner by producing a legal passport and visa or permit.

He said there are other requirements, too.

"The purpose of your visit; what are you here for? Where are you going to stay? Do you have the means to sustain yourself while in the country? So, that is some of the basic requirements that every person must meet to be allowed into the country.

"These gentlemen had a valid visa and a valid passport, so they were not illegal. But when questioned about the purpose of their visit and where they are going to stay, they indicated they are going to stay with a friend who is also said to have been a foreign national.

"So it is then procedural to request proof of identity of the host in South Africa. They had to produce a valid passport with a valid visa or permit that regularised the host's stay in South Africa. And that's what they couldn't do, and hence they were refused entry."

To listen to Makey's full interview on 947, use the audio player below: