Citizens perception on migration in South Africa

This briefing paper presents insights into how South Africans feel about migrants, the extent to which they might resist the entrance of migrants into their work and living spaces, and the extent to which they welcome migrants as potential new citizens.

The document explains that South Africans are divided on the issue of whether foreigners should be protected in South Africa. In this context, the findings show that more South Africans (44%) disagree with the idea of providing protection to asylum seekers in South Africa. Furthermore, the findings indicate high levels of distrust in foreigners when compared to the level of distrust South Africans have in other people they know.

Identically, the author finds that 77% of surveyed people believe that any person who was born in South Africa and has one South African parent should have the right to become a citizen of the country. Nevertheless, there are strong feelings that a person should not have the right to hold dual citizenship as reported by 71% of the surveyed respondents.

In the final analysis, the paper suggests that South Africa remains fertile ground for those who would use xenophobia to mobilise popular political support or local riots for commercial gain.