Regularising Zimbabwean Migration to South Africa has many benefits for the country including facilitating efforts to combat corruption, protect labour standards, up-skill the economy and fight crime. This was the word from Tara Polzer, Senior Researcher at the Forced Migration Studies Programme at Wits University, and the guest speaker at Inyathelo’s Breakfast on the 2nd Floor held on May 17.
“With reports lately in the media stating that xenophobic attacks are imminent post 2010 FIFA World Cup, it’s essential that the government prioritises the regularisation of Zimbabwean migration,” said Polzer.
“One may think that by granting free visas, special dispensation permits and the right to legally live and work in the country, the overall volumes of migration will increase, but studies show that this is unlikely.
“Yes, border crossing statistics will increase as a consequence of legalised movement, since previously invisible border-jumpers would now be documented by the state. But special dispensation permits are in fact likely to facilitate their return home rather than providing incentives to stay in South Arica, as they will feel free to return to Zimbabwe occasionally to test the “economic and opportunity waters” without the fear of losing their ability to earn livelihoods in South Africa.”
Polzer explained that evidence shows that migrants who feel threatened through deportation and a lack of legal options for movement are more likely to stay in a foreign country despite the hardships experienced, since returning to their countries without known livelihood alternatives is too risky.
Currently the Department of Home Affairs has implemented only two of its three intentions announced in April and May last year with regard to Zimbabweans coming into South Africa; a free 90-day visa and a moratorium on arrests and deportations. The ‘special dispensation permit’ on the basis of the 2002 Immigration Act, section 31 (2)(b) which grants Zimbabweans the right to legally live and work in the country is still outstanding.
Polzer said that giving Zimbabweans the right to work as part of a temporary permit process would have many positive benefits for South Africa including:
- Enabling the improved enforcement of labour standards by reducing the dual labour market where some undocumented migrants are hired at lower wages and labour standards;
- Increasing the migrant’s self-sufficiency thereby reducing the need for humanitarian support;
- Increasing the ability of Zimbabweans to productively contribute to the South African economy by utilising their skills in the formal labour market and through entrepreneurialism;
- Reducing cross-border smuggling and corruption at the borders thus enabling the police services to focus more of its time and resources on fighting crime than on immigration policing;
- Huge savings for the tax payer as the need to increase funding to the already over-loaded and ineffective deportation system is scrapped;
- Improving the chances of police to identify Zimbabwean perpetrators of crime; and
- Increasing public confidence in the ability of the police to maintain law and order and thereby discouraging vigilante crime-fighting against foreign nationals suspected of being criminals.
But, said Polzer, “the number of benefits we will see coming from the ‘special dispensation permit’ is nothing compared to what the migrants will get from it. Zimbabwean victims of crime in South Africa would be able to report cases to the police without fear of being arrested themselves, the human rights abuses such as assault, rape and extortion currently experienced by those crossing illegally into South Africa by smugglers and gangs will be a thing of the past.”
Legal employment options will also enable Zimbabweans to better provide for their families still living in Zimbabwe. This in turn will contribute to Zimbabwe’s economic recovery and reconstruction, which is also in South Africa’s best interest.
“With so many benefits for South Africa, South Africans and Zimbabweans, one wonders why it’s taken so long for this permit to be granted.”
Polzer presented the Migration Policy Brief at Inyathelo-The South African Institute for Advancement’s Breakfast on the 2nd Floor which is held regularly to spark debate around issues affecting civil society and South Africa.
Polzer’s presentation forms part of the Wits Forced Migration Studies Programme’s Migration Policy Brief series which is a resource for migration movement practitioners and intends to facilitate informed discussion on current issues in migration management in South Africa. |
