The Convergence of Economic Inequality and Illegal Migration: Security Implications for South Africa
Main Article Content
Keywords
illegal migration, poverty, crime, economic disparities
Abstract
This study explores how economic disparities across Africa, particularly the perception of South Africa as a post-1994 economic haven, drive illegal migration. Widespread poverty and inequality contribute to irregular migration, often met with rights violations by law enforcement and immigration officials. These include unlawful arrests, detentions, and deportations that contravene South Africa’s constitutional protections. While some link immigrants to crime, recent data shows that residents commit most crimes. This highlights the need for nuanced policy discussions. The research examines the socioeconomic roots of illegal migration, its implications for national and human security. It offers policy recommendations to address the intertwined issues of migration, poverty, and social instability.
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References
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Ngomane TB. (2010) The socio-economic impact of migration in South Africa: A case study of illegal Zimbabweans in Polokwane municipality in the Limpopo province
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Raftopoulos, B. (2009). The Crisis in Zimbabwe, 1998-2008. African Studies Quarterly, 10(2), 73-88. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctvk3gmpr.15
Sebola MP. (2017) Xenophobic Attitudes against Immigrants and Cheap Political Talks: Sitting Time Bombs and Explosives in South Africa. Bangladesh e-Journal of Sociology 14.
Southern Africa Human Security Network. (2021). Human Trafficking in Southern Africa: Trends and Responses.
Sullivan, C. (2018). Economic Inequality and Criminal Behaviour: A Review of the Literature. Journal of Economic Surveys, 32(4), 1057-1077.
Twala SD. (2012) The impact and management of illegal immigration into the Vaal Triangle (1994-2008)
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Vigneswaran, D. (2013). Territorial Control, Policing, and Migration in South Africa: What the Future Holds. African Centre for Migration & Society, University of the Witwatersrand.
Becker, G. Crime and punishment: an economic approach. Journal of Political Economy. Vol. 76, 1968, pp. 175-209. https://doi.org/10.1086/259394
Becker, G. S. (1968). Crime and Punishment: An Economic Approach. Journal of Political Economy, 76(2), 169-217. https://doi.org/10.1086/259394
Bigo, D. (2002). Security and Immigration: Toward a Critique of the Governmentality of Unease. Alternatives: Global, Local, Political, 27(1), 63-92. https://doi.org/10.1177/03043754020270S105
Buzan, B., Wæver, O., & de Wilde, J. (1998). Security: A New Framework for Analysis. Lynne Rienner Publishers. https://doi.org/10.1515/9781685853808
Cholewinski, R. (2021). The Role of Migrant Workers in the Global Economy. International Labour Review, 160(3), 465-483.
Cinini SF. (2015) A victimological exploration of the victimisation vulnerability of a group of foreign nationals in the city of Durban.
Cohen, L. E., & Felson, M. (2020). Social Change and Crime Rate Trends: A Routine Activity Approach. American Sociological Review, 44(4), 588-608. https://doi.org/10.2307/2094589
Crush J. (2001) The dark side of democracy: migration, xenophobia and human rights in South Africa. International Migration 38: 103-133. https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-2435.00145
Ehrlich, I. (1973). Participation in Illegitimate Activities: A Theoretical and Empirical Investigation. Journal of Political Economy, 81(3), 521-565. https://doi.org/10.1086/260058
Gedder A.2003. The Politics of Migration and Immigration in Europe. London: Sage. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781446280492
Gibney M, Apodaca C and McCann J. (1996) Refugee Flows, the Internally Displaced, and Political Violence (1980-1993): An Exploratory Analysis. Whither refugee: 45-66.
Higgins, J. (2008). “Push and Pull Factors: Lak Century Migration, Newfoundland and
Hjalmarsson, R., et al. (2021). Economic Conditions and Crime: Evidence from the Great Recession. Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, 182, 116-132.
Institute for Security Studies. (2020). Exploring Human Trafficking in South Africa: Vulnerabilities and Responses.
International Crisis Group. (2023). Zimbabwe’s 2023 Election: A Disputed Result and What Lies Ahead. Retrieved from https://www.crisisgroup.org
International Labour Office (1998). Labour Migration to South Africa in the 1990s. South African Multidisciplinary Team. Harare, Zimbabwe. Policy Paper Series No.4. IDASA. Cape Town.
Kälin, W., & Künzli, J. (2018). The Human Rights of Refugees: A Global Perspective. Journal of Refugee Studies, 31(3), 300-320.
Kalitanyi V and Visser K. (2010). African immigrants in South Africa: job takers or job creators? South African Journal of Economics and Management Sciences, 13, 376-390. https://doi.org/10.4102/sajems.v13i4.91
Kleinsmidt, A., & Manicom, A. (2010). The Struggle for Asylum: South African Refugee Protection in an International Context. Journal of Refugee Studies, 23(2), 170-190.
Kok, P., Landau, L. B., & Desai, S. (2019). The Impact of Police Raids on Refugees and Asylum Seekers in South Africa. African Centre for Migration & Society, University of the Witwatersrand
Landau, L. B., & Segatti, A. (2011). Migration and Social Protection in Southern Africa: New Challenges, New Opportunities. World Bank.
Landbroder” Heritage Web site (Article). Http: www.nf.ca/society/pa-202293 html. Date of access 01 September 2010.
Mlambo, D. N., Dlamini, N., Makgoba, S., & Mtshali, L. (2023). The Three Facets of Xenophobia in Post-Apartheid South Africa. Journal of Ethnic and Cultural Studies, 10(4), 118-133. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejecs/1665
Mukumbang, F. C., & Ambe, A. N. (2020). Examining the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit and its impact on undocumented migration in South Africa. Journal of Migration Studies, 12(3), 122-138.
Ndlovu-Gatsheni, S. J. (2020). Decolonisation, Development, and Knowledge in Africa: Turning Over a New Leaf. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003030423
Newfarmer, R. and Sztajerowska, M. (2012), “Trade and Employment in a Fast-Changing World”, in OECD (2012), Policy Priorities for International Trade and Jobs, Douglas Lippoldt (ed.), OECD, Paris
Nghia, T. L. H. (2019). Motivations for studying abroad and immigration intentions: The case of Vietnamese students. Journal of International Students, 9(3), 758-776. https://doi.org/10.32674/jis.v0i0.731
Ngomane TB. (2010) The socio-economic impact of migration in South Africa: A case study of illegal Zimbabweans in Polokwane municipality in the Limpopo province
Ngwenya, P. (2021). Corruption at Home Affairs: The Plight of Foreign Nationals in South Africa. The Mail & Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.mg.co.za.
Pinotti, P., & Rozo, S. V. (2022). New evidence on immigration and crime. In A Modern Guide to the Economics of Crime (pp. 243-264). Edward Elgar Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781789909333.00015
Raftopoulos, B. (2009). The Crisis in Zimbabwe, 1998-2008. African Studies Quarterly, 10(2), 73-88. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctvk3gmpr.15
Sebola MP. (2017) Xenophobic Attitudes against Immigrants and Cheap Political Talks: Sitting Time Bombs and Explosives in South Africa. Bangladesh e-Journal of Sociology 14.
Southern Africa Human Security Network. (2021). Human Trafficking in Southern Africa: Trends and Responses.
Sullivan, C. (2018). Economic Inequality and Criminal Behaviour: A Review of the Literature. Journal of Economic Surveys, 32(4), 1057-1077.
Twala SD. (2012) The impact and management of illegal immigration into the Vaal Triangle (1994-2008)
U.S. Department of State. (2022). Trafficking in Persons Report 2022.
United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA). (2021).
Vigneswaran, D. (2013). Territorial Control, Policing, and Migration in South Africa: What the Future Holds. African Centre for Migration & Society, University of the Witwatersrand.
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Jan 15, 2026
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The Convergence of Economic Inequality and Illegal Migration: Security Implications for South Africa. (2026). Pan-African Conversations, 2(1), 27-42. https://doi.org/10.36615/k800sr21
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The Convergence of Economic Inequality and Illegal Migration: Security Implications for South Africa. (2026). Pan-African Conversations, 2(1), 27-42. https://doi.org/10.36615/k800sr21
