South African Members of Parliament are pressing for greater oversight of university employment procedures following revelations of insufficient data regarding the immigration status of foreign academics. The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has acknowledged its inability to provide precise figures on the number of foreign nationals in permanent academic positions, or those holding critical skills visas. This lack of clarity has prompted concerns about potential imbalances in hiring and the need for improved data collection. MPs are seeking detailed information on the qualifications and immigration statuses of international staff employed at South African universities. The demand for transparency aims to address potential issues related to skills transfer and equitable employment opportunities. The DHET’s admission highlights a gap in understanding the composition of the academic workforce and the reliance on foreign expertise within the higher education sector. Further investigation is expected to determine the extent of the data deficiencies and implement corrective measures.