DURBAN - The Border Management Authority (BMA) is stepping up its fight against passport fraud with the introduction of new, high-security stamps. This initiative is a direct response to the widespread misuse of old stamps, which were easily replicated and used to illegally stamp passports.
According to BMA CEO Dr. Mike Masiapato, the new stamps, launched on Friday, 1 August 2025, replace the vulnerable stamps previously used by immigration specialists. "In the past few months, we observed widespread misuse of these stamps with individuals illegally stamping people's passports with fraudulently reproduced stamps," Masiapato stated.
The BMA collaborated with the Government Printing Works to design the new stamps with the highest security standards, including the BMA logo, to prevent tampering, forgery, and unauthorized use. This initiative is part of the BMA’s broader commitment to strengthening national security and enhancing the integrity of border control processes.
But the BMA's work doesn't stop there. Between April and June of this year, the BMA recorded over 9000 arrests and deportations of individuals attempting to enter South Africa illegally. Commissioner Michael Masiapato revealed that since July 2022, the BMA has stopped over 400,000 people from illegally entering the country.
"Of the 9954 persons, 5826 were undocumented, 2127 were inadmissible, and 2001 were undesirable," Masiapato explained. Guards also intercepted over 300 vehicles intended for smuggling out of the country.
The BMA is also cracking down on document fraud. Between April and June, 14 passports bearing fraudulent immigration stamps were identified and confiscated, highlighting the ongoing attempts to undermine national security and immigration controls. These measures, including the implementation of new security stamps, are crucial steps in securing South Africa's borders and combating illegal immigration.