Eswatini suspends immigration officers over lapses linked to illegal gambling network
Preliminary findings indicate that entry authorisations, including work permits, were issued without complete documentation.
Eswatini.- Eswatini has suspended five immigration officers following allegations that weaknesses in permit processing contributed to the entry of foreign nationals linked to an illegal online gambling network that has drawn significant public attention in recent days.
The Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed that the officers, including a Deputy Chief Immigration Officer, have been placed on suspension with full pay for six months pending investigations.
Authorities say the suspensions are tied to lapses in immigration controls that allowed more than 100 foreign nationals to obtain permits without meeting legal requirements. Many of those individuals were later implicated in a broader crackdown on illegal online gambling operations.
The foreign nationals, mainly from China, Brazil, Indonesia, Cambodia and Taiwan, are facing charges related to unlawful employment and breaches of immigration laws connected to gambling activities.
Preliminary findings indicate that entry authorisations, including work permits, were issued without complete documentation. Investigators are also examining claims that system access credentials belonging to junior officers were exploited to process applications, highlighting weaknesses in internal controls.
The officers were suspended after appearing before the Civil Service Commission, which invoked provisions of the Public Service Act to allow their precautionary removal from duty pending disciplinary proceedings.
Ministry spokesperson Mlandvo Dlamini said the action is administrative and does not imply guilt. He confirmed that additional officers are under review as part of a broader probe into immigration processes.
Officials say the outcome of the investigation will determine further disciplinary or legal action. The Ministry stated it will continue working with law enforcement and regulatory bodies to address compliance gaps and strengthen controls around immigration and employment linked to high-risk sectors such as online gambling.
