Is the South Africa 'events' visa an 'own goal'?

A leading South African immigration official has warned that the 2010 Fifa World Cup could attract an influx of migrants to the country after the tournament ends.

“We know that South Africa is a magnet for migration on the continent,” said Morne Fourie of the government organisation that regulates South African immigration.

South Africa has about 5 million undocumented immigrants who have entered the country without a valid South African visa. Experts are warning that ease of entry into the country off the back of the event will create an adverse situation.

At the root of the problem is the special South African “event” visa that the African hosts are the first ever country to implement.

The special visas are for travelling fans who come from countries who would normally have problems obtaining an entry permit. Any fan wishing to take advantage of this new South African entry visa will have to show a valid match ticket, have a place to stay while in South Africa and a return flight ticket home.

Immigration issues have already caused protest and bloodshed across South Africa and continue to do so.

Is the 2010 World Cup in danger of becoming an immigration disaster for South Africa or is it the only way the huge number of fans can most efficiently be streamlined to get to the games?

Immigration ‘own goal’ or tactical visa gameplay? Tell us what you think.