Migration in Southern Africa BY International Organization for Migration Regional Office for Southern Africa 12 th Regional Meeting of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly (Southern Africa) April 20-22nd, 2016 Gaborone, Botswana
Introduction Long history of cross-border migration: Organized labour (e.g.. Migrants from Mozambique, Lesotho and Swaziland working in SA mines/farms) Individuals seeking employment opportunities in the informal sector (farm workers, traders, domestic workers) In some areas, borders are arbitrary demarcations, and people move back and forth
South African Migration in Brief More than 3 million migrants within SADC South Africa is destination for 58.4% of SADC migrants Among the top 5 recipients of new asylum claims in the world has a projected surplus of 36% of the labour supply in 2020 Zimbabwe and Mozambique largest proportion of SADC immigrants Estimates are based on official sources Do not reflect quantity of irregular/ mixed migration which is rife in the region
Challenges in Migration and Health Diseases knows no borders -such as Malaria and other communicable diseases Conditions surrounding the migration can make migrants vulnerable to ill health Inequalities in accessing health services resulting negative outcomes for migrants and communities Myths and misconceptions around migrants and health Stigmatization of migrants Limited national and cross border monitoring systems, Limited knowledge and understanding of migration and health Limited inter-sector and inter-country debate and partnership Limited cross border referrals resulting in to poor continuity of care and apparent increase in defaulters Limited harmonization of protocols treatment, prevention etc.
Challenges in Protection Limited capacity among MS to receive, screen and refer vulnerable migrants to appropriate services Limited availability of tools and mechanisms for the protection of unaccompanied migrant children Large scale detention of vulnerable migrants for immigration offences compounded by absence of alternatives to detention Absence of voluntary return options that result in prolonged detention and wasteful deportations including of those who are vulnerable Lack of coordination between MS for protection and law enforcement purposes and absence of harmonized approaches
Challenges in Labour Migration Lack of coherent national labour migration policies and comprehensive data on labour migration/labour migration information systems (LMISs) Data is not standardized and therefore not comparable. Weak capacity and a proliferation of private recruitment agencies; migrants are often at the mercy of private recruitment agencies, many of which unscrupulous. Bilateral migrant labour agreements are limited and at times outdated. Such agreements do not adequately protect African migrants in host countries. Need to develop regional model bilateral migrant labour agreements which Member States could adapt for their own needs. Seasonal/temporary, yet most countries do not have bilateral temporary labour agreements. Need to protect the rights of migrants and ensure the portability of social benefits.
Challenges in Border Management in Southern Africa Differing border management realities and contexts: Maritime and inland water ways, land, OSBP; overlapping REC membership, conflict and security issues Inconsistencies, inadequate and uncoordinated border management and infrastructure within and between SADC Member States, inter alia: Extensive unmanned porous borders Non-automation and inter-operability issues Outdated or non-existing legislation Non compliance of existing arrangements Weak governance
Challenges: Climate Change El Nino Since October 2015, southern Africa has been experiencing an intense drought driven by one of the strongest El Niño episodes on record. According to the Food and Nutrition Security Working Group (FSNWG) and estimated 31.6M people across Southern Africa are food insecure. The combination of a poor 2014-2015 season (characterized by hot, dry conditions and a 23% drop in regional cereal production), an extremely dry early season (October to December) and forecasts for continuing hot and drier-than-average conditions through mid-2016, suggest a scenario of extensive, regional-scale crop failure. The effects of the drought concern multiple sectors: food security and agriculture, water, health and nutrition as well as migration, protection and security. The situation is surpassing countries capacity to cope and the scale-up has been small and well off the pace required to meet the increase in needs. Underfunding: little humanitarian funding received
Recommendations Support to the implementation of the MIDSA Plan of Action, and the Individual & collective implementation by MS Development of aligned national action plans Prioritize & Implement elements within the Action Plan - e.g Child Protection and Labour Migration, and expand existing elements within the AP including Border Management