Pretoria - It has been a hassle-free entry into South Africa for international delegates attending COP17 in Durban.
According to the Department of Home Affairs, the process has been going smoothly - without any interruptions or hitches.
"In terms of our agreement with the United Nations, we have accredited a total of 11 810 delegates to the conference, whose entry into South Africa has been processed through the enhanced Movement Control and the Advanced Passenger Processing Systems, a legacy of the 2010 FIFA World Cup," the department said.
In consultation with the United Nations, the department has enabled visa-free entry to accredited delegates.
Dedicated counters at each of the three international airports - OR Tambo, King Shaka and Cape Town - have also been set aside for COP delegates.
An additional 54 immigration officers have been deployed at King Shaka Airport and the Durban Harbour, while 42 SAPS members, who have received immigration training, have also been seconded to the department.
"These measures and additional human resource capacity will enable the department to bar any undesirable elements that appear on our database of prohibited persons from exploiting South Africa's hosting of the conference for their own nefarious intent," the department added.
Home Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma welcomed the world to South Africa and wished COP17 participants well in their deliberations.
