20 Immigration Officer Jobs at OR Tambo Airport The Border Management Authority (BMA

The Border Management Authority (BMA) invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for Immigration Officer Vacancies at OR Tambo International Airport (20 Posts). These opportunities are aimed at candidates who meet the required education, work experience and other requirements for the role. The closing date for applications is 04 September 2026.

If you have a qualification in Social Science, Law, Security Studies or Public Administration and have been looking for a government job where you can make a real difference, these Immigration Officer vacancies may be worth considering. The successful candidates will work at one of South Africa’s busiest ports of entry and will play an important role in managing people entering and leaving the country.

Border Management Authority Immigration Officer Vacancies

The Border Management Authority was established under the Border Management Authority Act No. 2 of 2020. It is an armed service established in terms of Section 199(3) of the Constitution and works alongside other important security services in South Africa.

The BMA is responsible for managing South Africa’s borders and helping to make sure that immigration laws and other border-related laws are followed.

For this recruitment drive, the BMA is looking for 20 Immigration Officers to work at OR Tambo International Airport.

This is more than a customer service position. Immigration Officers are expected to carry out inspections, check travel documents, enforce immigration laws, assist travellers and support activities aimed at protecting South Africa’s borders.

What Will an Immigration Officer Do?

The person appointed to this position will have a number of responsibilities. The work can be busy, especially at a major international airport, so applicants should be ready to work in a fast-moving environment.

Immigration Law Enforcement

One of the main parts of the job is making sure immigration laws are followed.

Your duties may include:

• Conducting immigration inspections and checking documents.
• Verifying the identity and legal status of people entering or leaving South Africa.
• Enforcing immigration laws and regulations.
• Investigating possible immigration violations.
• Gathering information and intelligence related to immigration matters.
• Taking part in risk assessments and intelligence-led operations.
• Preparing reports about immigration activities.
• Keeping accurate records.
• Providing information and assistance to travellers and members of the public.

Immigration Officers may deal with many different people every day. Good communication skills, patience and professionalism are therefore important.

Customer Service Is Also Part of the Job

Although the position focuses heavily on immigration and border management, customer service is also an important part of the role.

The successful candidates may need to respond to questions and requests from travellers and other members of the public.

They will be expected to:

• Respond to customer requests promptly and professionally.
• Listen carefully to understand what the customer needs.
• Check that the solution or information provided meets the customer’s request.
• Provide clear information within the rules and procedures of the BMA.

This means applicants should be comfortable dealing with people and handling questions in a calm and respectful way.

Risk, Compliance and Reporting Responsibilities

Immigration Officers must follow the correct laws, policies and procedures while carrying out their duties.

The successful candidates will be expected to help make sure that immigration legislation and approved procedures are properly applied at the port of entry.

Other responsibilities may include:

• Following immigration legislation and approved protocols.
• Responding to immigration-related questions and requests.
• Meeting organisational deadlines.
• Assisting with mandatory reports and information submissions.
• Collecting information and preparing reports for the Manager or Assistant Manager.
• Helping compile monthly and quarterly departmental reports.
• Tracking commitments and report deadlines.
• Following up on outstanding matters.
• Processing documents according to BMA policies and procedures.
• Following proper document control principles.
• Supporting fraud prevention and risk management activities.
• Following good governance and compliance processes.
• Providing information or evidence required for internal and external audits.
• Maintaining proper risk management standards.
• Following relevant Service Level Agreements.
• Reviewing Standard Operating Procedures with the Manager when required.
• Following all relevant laws, policies and Standard Operating Procedures.

Accuracy is important in this role because immigration work involves official documents, personal information, legal requirements and border security.

Working With Other Organisations

The role can also involve working with different stakeholders.

Immigration Officers may be expected to build and maintain relationships with intelligence agencies, international organisations and industry stakeholders.

The aim is to support information sharing and cooperation in the fight against illegal activities.

Successful candidates may also represent the BMA or take part in BMA committees and task teams when required.

Knowledge Required for the Position

Applicants should have an understanding of South African laws and regulations that are relevant to immigration, border management and public service.

The BMA lists knowledge of the following as important:

• The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.
• The Refugees Act.
• The Immigration Act.
• The Criminal Procedure Act.
• Relevant international treaties.
• The Public Service Regulatory Framework.
• Acts administered by the relevant Department.
• The Border Management Authority Act, 2020.
• The Public Administration Management Act.
• The Protected Disclosures Act, 2000 (Act No. 26 of 2000).
• The Public Finance Management Act.

Applicants should understand that these requirements are important because Immigration Officers must make decisions and perform their duties within the law.

Immigration Officer Job Requirements

Before applying, make sure you meet the minimum requirements for the position.

Applicants must have:

• A Grade 12 National Senior Certificate.
• An undergraduate qualification at NQF Level 6, recognised by SAQA, in Social Science, Law, Security Studies or Public Administration.
• At least 3 years of relevant work experience.
• A valid driver’s licence.

Experience in customer service will be an added advantage.

Applicants should also be flexible when it comes to working hours. Because OR Tambo International Airport is a busy international port of entry, the successful candidates may need to work outside normal working hours.

The position may also require employees to work overtime when necessary.

Important Information for Applicants

The BMA is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to employment equity and workforce diversity. Preference may be given to suitably qualified candidates from designated groups in line with the BMA’s employment equity plan.

The BMA also reserves the right not to make an appointment to the advertised positions.

If you obtained your qualification outside South Africa, you are responsible for having the qualification evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). You must confirm the appropriate NQF level and provide proof of the evaluation report.

What Happens After You Apply?

Meeting the minimum requirements does not automatically mean that you will be appointed.

Shortlisted candidates may be invited to an interview and technical assessment. These assessments are used to check whether a candidate has the professional and technical skills needed for the position.

Candidates who are considered suitable after the interview and technical assessment may also be required to complete a competency assessment, particularly where applicable to the level of the position.

The BMA may also carry out employment suitability checks on shortlisted candidates. These checks can include:

• Credit checks.
• Criminal record checks.
• Citizenship verification.
• Employment reference checks.
• Qualification verification.

Appointment will also be subject to the required vetting and security clearance for the level of the position.

This Job Has Been Re-Advertised

There is an important point that previous applicants should know.

The BMA states that this position is being re-advertised. Candidates who applied previously are encouraged to apply again if they are still interested and meet the requirements.

So, if you previously submitted an application for this Immigration Officer position, do not assume that you cannot apply again. Check the requirements carefully and submit a new application if you remain interested and eligible.

Closing Date for BMA Immigration Officer Jobs

The closing date for these Border Management Authority Immigration Officer vacancies at OR Tambo International Airport is 04 September 2026.

With 20 positions available, eligible job seekers who meet the qualification, experience and other requirements should make sure they understand the application requirements and submit their application before the closing date.

If you are interested in building a career in immigration, border management, law enforcement or public administration, this opportunity could be an important step forward. Make sure your qualifications and supporting documents are ready, check that you meet every requirement, and avoid waiting until the last day to apply.