South Africa, Canada Discuss Immigration

South Africa’s Minister of Home Affairs, Hlengiwe Mkhize, has met with her Canadian counterpart, Ahmed Hussen, in the capital of Tshwane.

The Canadian Minister for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship is visiting South Africa to acquaint himself with Canada’s visa services provided in South Africa.

Addressing the media after the two Ministers had toured the Desmond Tutu Refugee Reception Centre in Tshwane, Minister Mkhize said the bulk of their time was spent focusing on immigration.

“We spent a lot of time discussing issues of immigration involving the two countries and that can be used to assist vulnerable groups,” Minister Mkhize said.

Minister Hussen said he is in the country to see first-hand how the South African government handles issues of immigration.

“South Africa and Canada have good relations. We are looking at other areas of cooperation.”

Minister Hussen said during his interaction with the Minister Mkhize, they explored other opportunities for development for both countries.

Minister Hussen said he and his delegation will take what they have learnt at the Desmond Tutu Refugee Reception Centre as important lessons for Canada.

“We are very impressed by the manner in which the South African government is handling immigration issues,” he said.

President Jacob Zuma launched the Desmond Tutu Refugee Reception Centre earlier this year. The centre was formerly known as the Marabastad Refugee Reception Centre.

As part of new processes, the Department of Home Affairs calls on asylum seekers and refugees visiting the Desmond Tutu Refugee Reception Centre for various services to follow due process and desist from showing up without appointments and on days that are not designated for them.