CONSTRUCTIVE INTRODUCTORY BILATERAL DISCUSSIONS

Issued by: SA Communication Service

JOINT COMMUNIQUE BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HOME AFFAIRS OF SOUTH AFRICA AND THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS OF LESOTHO

Constructive introductory bilateral discussions took place today between the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs of Lesotho, Mr E M Mohafa and a delegation from the South African Department of Home Affairs and the South African Police Service, chaired by the Director-General of Home Affairs, Mr P J Colyn, to discuss matters of mutual interest.

The meeting was mainly scheduled in order that the parties may acquaint themselves with problems to be discussed at further, regular meetings which will take place at Ministerial level. The following pertinent issues were also discussed:

• Informal border crossings for limited duration and distance.
• Visa entry requirements.
• Operating hours at border posts.
• Joint training exercises.
• Study permits for Lesotho students in the RSA. The deposit currently payable by Lesotho students wishing to study in the RSA will be fully investigated.
• Procedures for emergency situations where Lesotho citizens need to be admitted to the RSA urgently were discussed and the parties agreed to handle people in emergency situations with expediency and with due compassion.
• Reciprocal handling of travellers without documentation arriving at ports of entry was discussed and it was agreed to appoint a joint committee with representatives from South Africa and Lesotho.

The parties agreed to jointly address the issue of illegal aliens. Lesotho will also be formally invited to become involved in a joint investigation by the Department of Home Affairs, the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) into an immigration management programme.

The discussions took place in a cordial manner and it was agreed to have the next meeting in Lesotho during March 1996.