Migration, The Socio-Economic and Political Development : The South African Experience

Abstract

South Africa's effort to control immigration in the country has not only undermined policy on migration but continue to shape its politics, economy as well as the entire society in the global system. Despite the need for improved policy responses to human mobility, reform is hindered by lack of capacity, misinformation, and anti-migrant sentiments within and outside of government. This article outlines the trends and pressures by providing an overview of the limited demographic and socio-economic data available on migration. Doing so, highlights the spatialized aspects of human mobility, trends centered on and around the country's socio-economic benefits. It finds significant development potential in international migrants' skills and entrepreneurialism. Despite these potential benefits, there are severe impediments to migration. These include a renewed South African populism; the influence of a strong anti-trafficking lobby; promoting stricter border controls; poor implementation capacity; and endemic corruption among police and immigration officials. Data was primarily collected through secondary sources. Findings show that the frameworks governing migration, including public perceptions, migration is not an inherent drain on public budgets. Migration theory finds that immigrants actually contribute to nation's development, through financing of public organization and infrastructures. This article recommends to South Africa to create a comprehensive and strategic partnership agreement with foreign countries with the implementation of e-visa for skilled migrants to enhance growth and development.