Videos sent to Filomeno Paixao did not name those involved but contained footage of immigration officers stationed in Dili and at land borders asking foreigners for money to process visa applications.

“This behaviour must be stopped immediately,” Paixao said.  He said it was “illegal” to charge foreigners to process visas.

News that immigration officers were allegedly asking to be paid bribes has caused concern within the immigration department, where the director general is now investigating the matter.

Paixao said that the Director General of Immigration had issued a warning to its members that bribing behaviour would not be tolerated.

Paixao said a full investigation into the issue was underway.

"If such behaviour occurs, I will implement regulations on those who violate the Immigration regulation," he said.

He urged anyone with information about the alleged bribing to immediately contact police

on 7832 6687 or 7717 2992.