World Immigration News

AD1108: South Africans oppose immigration, express mixed attitudes toward foreigners

Release Date: 2026-01-09
Media: Afrobarometer
Summary: In South Africa, immigrants are often blamed for crime, economic hardship, and failing public services, despite a lack of solid evidence to support these claims. According to the 2022 census, the country has about 2.4 million immigrants, most of whom (83.5%) come from neighboring Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, with smaller shares from the rest of Africa, Europe, and Asia.

As the most industrialized economy in Southern Africa, South Africa has long been a regional destination for economic migrants. While earlier migration was dominated by low-cost male labor in sectors such as agriculture and mining, migrant employment has expanded into services like hospitality, security, and transport, making South Africa the African country with the largest international migrant population.

In May 2025, the government approved its first comprehensive national labor-migration policy, aimed at attracting skilled workers while reducing the outflow of South African professionals. However, public opinion remains largely negative. Survey data show that a majority of South Africans oppose free movement across regional borders, believe immigrants harm the economy, and want fewer immigrants and refugees admitted.

At the same time, attitudes toward foreigners are mixed: about half of South Africans would accept immigrants as neighbors, while nearly as many would not, and tolerance toward refugees is even lower. Meanwhile, roughly one-quarter of South Africans have considered emigrating themselves, mainly for economic reasons, with full-time workers and university graduates most likely to think about leaving the country.
Tags: South Africa

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