Undocumented Migrants Purchasing South African Birth Certificates

Durban, South Africa – A disturbing trend has emerged in South Africa, where undocumented migrants are purchasing forged birth certificates for as little as R1,000. These fraudulent documents are being used to obtain passports, which can cost up to R45,000, allowing these individuals to gain legal status and access various services within the country.

The illicit trade in birth certificates is believed to be widespread, with networks of individuals involved in the forgery and distribution of these documents. The ease with which these documents can be obtained is raising concerns about the effectiveness of South Africa’s immigration controls and the potential security risks associated with such fraudulent practices.

Authorities are investigating the matter and have vowed to crack down on the individuals and organizations involved in the illegal trade. However, the challenge of combating this issue is significant, as the demand for forged documents is likely to persist as long as undocumented migrants seek a way to establish themselves in South Africa.