SA to See Immigrants as Economic Opportunities

Long seen as a threat to the local economy, immigrants are now being regarded as an economic opportunity in South Africa, which is hoping to build on the increasing in-migration related to the upcoming World Cup and its business potential.

Deputy Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba outlined the new policy in Johannesburg yesterday, at the regional launch of the United Nations Development Programme 2009 Human Development Report.

Titled "Overcoming barriers; human mobility and development", the report urges all governments to regard migrants as potentially good for the development of their host and home countries.

Immigrants 'not a threat'
Cape Times
October 6, 2009

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