South Africa's migrant deadline
6/20/202624 min
For many undocumented migrants in South Africa, the past few weeks have brought uncertainty and fear about what lies ahead.
South Africa is the continent’s most developed economy, attracting citizens from poorer countries seeking work. But it also has a high rate of unemployment – almost one in three are without jobs. Although (officially) foreigners make up some 6% of the population, many more migrants are believed to be in the country without papers.
Protestors have told them they have until the end of June to leave, and some nations have already been repatriating their citizens.
In our conversations, we bring together migrants to share their experiences of rising tensions. We also hear from people who have decided to return and South Africans who want an end to illegal migration.
“For us to fix this country of ours, we have to secure our borders,” Olivier tells host James Reynolds. “People here illegally either they are criminals, or they are suffering in the process or they’re just getting a whole bunch of stuff for free and not contributing.”
Clips
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsJames Reynolds· Host0:00
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James Reynolds· Host1:07
[digital beep] [upbeat music] Hello, I'm James Reynolds. Welcome to The Documentary from the BBC World Service. In BBC Conversations, we bring people together to share their experiences. This time, we head to South Africa, where undocumented migrants are being told or even warned