JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – South Africa is facing renewed tensions over immigration as anti-foreigner groups prepare for nationwide protests, demanding that undocumented migrants leave the country. The planned demonstrations have heightened fears of violence, prompting thousands of foreign nationals to either return to their home countries or seek refuge in temporary camps.
Although organisers insist the protests will be peaceful, the unrest has reignited debate over immigration, unemployment, crime, and pressure on public services in Africa’s most industrialised economy.
Why Are Protesters Targeting Migrants?
Anti-immigration groups argue that undocumented foreign nationals are taking jobs from South Africans, placing additional strain on already overstretched public services, and contributing to crime.
Speaking to journalists on June 24, Musa Hlongwa, president of the anti-migrant organisation United South Africa, said many citizens were frustrated by competition for hospital care, school placements, and employment opportunities. He also accused some foreign nationals of involvement in drug trafficking.
How Widespread Are These Views?
Recent surveys suggest anti-immigrant sentiment has grown significantly.
A 2025 poll by South Africa’s Human Sciences Research Council found that only one in six South Africans said they would welcome all immigrants, while 42 percent said they would welcome none.
An Afrobarometer survey found that seven in ten South Africans believe immigrants have a negative economic impact, while 85 percent support reducing or completely halting refugee arrivals.
Research by Ipsos also found that nearly three-quarters of respondents said they did not trust immigrants from elsewhere in Africa.
Are Claims of an Immigration Crisis Supported by the Evidence?
Experts and official data present a more nuanced picture.
According to Statistics South Africa, there were approximately 3.1 million migrants living in the country in 2023—about 4.1 percent of the total population. That proportion is lower than in many developed countries, including Britain, Canada, and Australia.
Researchers note that census figures are intended to capture both documented and undocumented migrants, challenging claims that South Africa is experiencing an unprecedented influx.
Available prison statistics indicate that foreign nationals account for roughly six percent of South Africa’s prison population, with many detained for immigration-related offences rather than violent crimes. Migration experts argue that the available evidence does not support claims that immigrants are disproportionately responsible for criminal activity.
Economic studies also suggest that immigration can generate employment.
A 2018 World Bank report found that every employed migrant supports approximately two additional jobs for South Africans through increased business activity and consumer spending. Economists say migrants contribute to local economies by purchasing goods and services, supporting small businesses, and creating demand across multiple sectors.
Researchers also argue there is little evidence that undocumented migrants are the primary cause of pressure on hospitals and schools. Many reportedly avoid public institutions because registration requirements could expose their immigration status.
Instead, experts point to years of underinvestment, corruption, and governance failures as the principal causes of the challenges facing South Africa’s healthcare and education systems.
Why Is the Issue So Politically Charged?
Analysts say South Africa’s economic difficulties have created fertile ground for anti-immigrant sentiment.
The country continues to struggle with one of the world’s highest unemployment rates, deep income inequality, and persistent failures in public service delivery. Political tensions have intensified since the governing African National Congress (ANC) lost its parliamentary majority in the 2024 general election.
South Africa’s history also plays a significant role. During apartheid, migrant labour from across southern Africa was widely used in the mining industry to suppress wages and weaken labour unions, leaving a lasting impact on public perceptions of foreign workers.
Political analysts say migrants have increasingly become convenient targets during periods of economic hardship and in the lead-up to elections, with local government elections scheduled before the end of the year.
While concerns over immigration remain politically influential, researchers caution that many of the most common claims linking migrants to crime, unemployment, and failing public services are not supported by the available evidence.
Source: Reuters
