Illegal immigration in South Africa

Irregular immigration to South Africa refers to migration of foreign nationals to South Africa without the authorisation of the South African authorities. A range of estimates of the size of the population of irregular migrants in South Africa exist, but these have been described as inaccurate.

Profile and demographics

No accurate estimates of the number of undocumented migrants living in South Africa exist.[1] Estimates that have been published vary widely. A 1996 Human Sciences Research Council study estimated that there were between 2.5 million and 4.1 million undocumented migrants in the country. In their 2008/09 annual report, the South African Police Service stated: "According to various estimates, the number of undocumented immigrants in South Africa may vary between three and six million people". Other estimates have put the figure as high as 10 million.[2] As of April 2015, Statistics South Africa's official estimate is of between 500,000 and one million undocumented migrants.[3] A large number of Zimbabweans have fled to South Africa as a result of instability in Zimbabwe, with many living as undocumented migrants in South Africa.[1][2][4]

Impacts

Xenophobia

Sociologist Alice Bloch notes that migrants in South Africa have been the victims of xenophobia and violence, regardless of their immigration status.[4]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Chiumia, Sintha (5 November 2013). "How many Zimbabweans live in South Africa? The numbers are unreliable". Africa Check. Retrieved 23 April 2015.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "SOUTH AFRICA: How many undocumented migrants? Pick a number". IRIN. 13 November 2009. Retrieved 23 April 2015.
  3. ↑ Mwiti, Lee (22 April 2015). "Seven of the biggest myths about South Africa and xenophobia - and how they drive attacks". Mail & Guardian Africa. Retrieved 23 April 2015.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Bloch, Alice. "The Right to Rights? Undocumented Migrants from Zimbabwe Living in South Africa". Sociology 44 (2): 233–250. doi:10.1177/0038038509357209.