Petition to Address Home Affairs South African Immigration Corruption and violation of human and constitutional rights of the victims

We, the undersigned, draw attention to the prevalent corruption and unjust practices within the South African immigration system. Specifically, we focus on the hardships faced by South African citizens and their families who have been victims of this system. We present the case of my husband, a graduate in accounting science in financial accounting, and his ongoing struggle to obtain temporary residency despite meeting all the requirements. They expect bribe for PRP and TRP approval irrespective of fake or real documents submitted which in turn create a backlog for nonpaying applicants. This ordeal has not only caused severe mental and financial distress to our family but has also resulted in our inability to visit his family due to the flawed immigration procedures which violet our human rights. We firmly believe that urgent action needs to be taken to rectify the corruption and restore fairness within the immigration service.

Background:
As South African citizens, we are guaranteed the enjoyment of certain fundamental human rights, enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the South African Constitution. The right to marry the person we love, irrespective of their ethnicity, race, is a fundamental human right that should not be impeded. Yet, the Home Affairs department has frequently violated this right.
One deeply concerning consequence of this corruption is the separation of families and the denial of children's rights to be in the presence of their fathers/mothers. Many individuals who have successfully entered into legitimate marriages like myself with foreign nationals face immense difficulties in ensuring legal recognition of their spouses' immigration status. This, in turn, restricts their ability to reside together as a family within South Africa, an infringement upon their right to family unity.
My husband arrived in South Africa with a study visa In 2005 and pursued his dream of obtaining a degree in accounting. He successfully completed his studies and has remained in the country for over decade since our marriage. As devoted parents to three young sons, we have built our lives and contributed to the local community. However, despite his qualifications, experience, and commitment to South Africa, his applications for extention of Temporary Residency Permit (TRP) was fictitiously rejected Now appeal application pending since march 2023 and Permanent Residency Permit (PRP) have been unjustly delayed since 2019 which threatens our unity as a family.

Main Issues:

1. Corruption within the Immigration System:
It is evident that the South African immigration service is plagued by systemic corruption. Our case is just one example of countless others who have faced unreasonable rejection and unexplained delays in the application process. By bringing to light our experiences, we aim to shed light on the deep-rooted corruption within the immigration system.

2. Inadequate First-Come, First-Serve Policy:
The lack of a proper system of first-come, first-serve policy at the Department of Home Affairs further perpetuates the issues faced by applicants like my husband. The absence of accountability and transparency in processing applications allows corruption to thrive, leading to further hardships for genuine and deserving individuals.

3. Mental and Financial Distress:
The constant rejections and delays in visa applications have caused significant mental and financial distress for our entire family. It has hindered our ability to plan for our future, further our careers, and visit our extended family in Bangladesh. Such distress negatively impacts our overall well-being as law-abiding residents who only seek to contribute positively to society.

Call to Action:
We respectfully request the following actions be taken:

1. Decentralize the power of the Corruption Hub Pretoria Head Office of Home Affairs and disband VFS direct relation with home affairs.

2. Conduct an Immediate Investigation:
We urge all relevant authorities to initiate a thorough investigation into the corruption allegations within the South African immigration service. It is imperative to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the unfair treatment of applicants. Make a through audit of their wealth to identify proceeds from bribery and confiscate if found.

3. Implement Transparent and Accountable Policies:
We encourage the Department of Home Affairs to establish a transparent and accountable system based on a first-come, first-serve policy for processing immigration applications. This will ensure equal treatment and eliminate the potential for corruption.

4. Expedite Pending Applications:
We implore the authorities to expedite pending applications, such as my husband's PRP application, which has been pending since 2019. The lengthy delays only perpetuate our mental and financial distress and prevent us from fully integrating into society.

Conclusion:
It is our fervent hope that our plea for justice and fairness is heard and acted upon by the South African government. By addressing the corruption within the immigration system and rectifying the unjust treatment of victims, countless families, including ours, can rebuild their lives and contribute their skills to the development of the nation. We believe that a transparent, accountable, and efficient immigration service will not only benefit individuals but also positively impact South Africa as a whole.