Immigrant InfluX Expected in South Africa as Result of World Cup

With an estimated 3-5 million undocumented immigrants already in South Africa, officials are expecting the 2010 World Cup to act as a magnet for even more. They're hoping to avoid an influx, but with restrictions being modified to ease entry into the country, the immigrant population is expected to rise.

South Africa is spending nearly $145 million to streamline entry for the games. It is the first World Cup host to offer an “event visa” for visitors from countries lacking visa-free arrangements with the host government.

They will have to show a purchased match ticket, an address while in South Africa and a return ticket home.

Fears over World Cup immigrants
Associated Press via The Times
July 23, 2009