Key Points:

  • A new approach to cross-border migration in South Africa aims to prioritise national interests and strengthen the legitimate authority of the South African state, its laws, and officials.
  • The entry of non-nationals into South Africa is governed by a dual system of control that is supported by the Aliens Control Act 96 of 1991 and bilateral treaties between South Africa and the governments of Lesotho, Botswana, Swaziland, and Mozambique.
  • The proposed policy complements the country’s macroeconomic strategy and aims to harness the economic benefits of migration for South Africa while limiting any additional burdens on state resources
  • The main areas of focus in developing a new migration approach in South Africa include national interest; domestic policy concerns; sustainability; implementation considerations; financial and institutional capacity of the state; and international policy concerns.