Thesis (MA (History))--University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / The processes of assimilation and naturalisation are encountered by immigrants around the world in differing degrees. Every immigrant to a new state, is forced to adapt to their new society in certain ways, in order to be able to function successfully in their new community. This thesis aims to look at these processes as they are managed by organisations within the new society. The Maatskappy vir Europese Immigrasie (MEI) [Company for European Immigration] was one such organisation which operated in South Africa. The MEI was founded in 1949, following on from other organisations which had concerned themselves with immigrant recruitment, assimilation and assistance in general. This thesis posits that the MEI, whilst primarily directed at the assistance in assimilating immigrants, also maintained another socio-political agenda.