OR Tambo International Airport has recently been the subject of rumours suggesting that travellers are experiencing significant delays at the immigration counters.
Immigration counters are working smoothly, OR Tambo Airport insists
In response, the airport released an official notice to set the record straight.
The notice, published on the airport’s website, firmly denies any issues with immigration processing times and reassures travellers that the systems are functioning efficiently.
According to the statement, “circulating reports of increased processing times at immigration counters at O.R. Tambo International Airport are not true.”
“We can confirm that the immigration systems at the airport are working smoothly, with seamless and efficient processing of passengers underway,” the airport noted.
The immigration counters at OR Tambo International Airport play a crucial role in managing the flow of passengers entering and exiting South Africa.
These counters are responsible for several key tasks:
- Passport Control: Immigration officers check the validity of passengers’ passports, ensuring they meet all entry or exit requirements. This includes verifying visas, stamps, and other travel documents.
- Security Checks: Officers may conduct interviews or ask questions to assess the purpose of travel, duration of stay, and other relevant details to prevent illegal activities and ensure compliance with immigration laws.
- Biometric Verification: Modern immigration counters are equipped with biometric systems to capture fingerprints and facial recognition data, enhancing security and preventing identity fraud.
- Visa Management: Immigration officials verify if passengers have the necessary visas for entry into South Africa and whether those visas are still valid.
- Record Keeping: The counters maintain records of all entries and exits, which are essential for tracking immigration trends, identifying overstays, and ensuring national security.
