The ‘alien invasion’ in South Africa: Illegal immigrants in Durban

Abstract

Although South Africa's emerging non-racial democracy has been internationally acclaimed, global integration has also brought its problems. One of these is the greater number of illegal immigrants entering the country. This article examines the problem of illegal immigration by focusing on an intensive case study in the locality of Durban. It attempts to identify reasons for illegal immigrants coming to South Africa, ascertain their country of origin, investigate the consequences of their stay in the Republic, identify problems associated with immigrants, and assess policy options to reduce the influx of aliens. The study reveals that the majority of illegal immigrants come to South Africa in search of better economic opportunities. However, they are accused of taking away the jobs of locals, lowering wages and spreading diseases. Although official government policy towards illegals is embodied in the Aliens Control Act (1991), there is a need to understand the problem within its regional and historical context.

Migration challenges among Zimbabwean refugees before, during and post arrival in South Africa

“…3 Supporting these studies was the significant and unprecedented numbers of Zimbabweans that immigrated to South Africa starting in 2000 with the country’s economic collapse. 1,4 In addition, the former South African Minister of Home Affairs, Chief Inkosi Mangosuthu Buthelezi, cited three reasons for the increase of Zimbabweans. He stated that South Africa, compared to other African countries, was economically advanced, that South African employers were more willing to hire foreigners including vulnerable and undocumented (i.e., illegal) immigrants, and that Southern African countries were historically and economically connected to South Africa which, in and of itself, influenced migration patterns.…”

“…He stated that South Africa, compared to other African countries, was economically advanced, that South African employers were more willing to hire foreigners including vulnerable and undocumented (i.e., illegal) immigrants, and that Southern African countries were historically and economically connected to South Africa which, in and of itself, influenced migration patterns. 4-7 …”

Christelike etiek in 'n sekulariserende samelewing

“…Xenofobie is ΄n ander verhoudingsvraagstuk wat toenemend in Suid-Afrika aan die orde van die dag is (kyk Müller 1999;Maharaj & Rajkuma 1997). Cashmore (1994:346) definieer xenofobie as ΄n vae psigologiese konsep, wat mense se geneigdheid tot vrees of haat teenoor mense wat beskou word as buitestaanders en vreemdelinge, beskryf.…”

Ethnography After Globalism: Migration And Emplacement In Malawi

“…South Africa's changing political economy, and immigration and unemployment in it, has been discussed by Comaroff and Comaroff (1999) and Crush and McDonald (2000). For case studies, see, for example, Maharaj andRajkumar 1997 andDodson andOelofse 2000. 3. The current estimates for Lilongwe's annual growth are between seven and nine percent (Kalipeni 1999:73).…”