Migration has become one of the most important issues facing Southern Africa as regional leaders call for greater cooperation to manage the movement of people across borders.
The issue has gained urgency following growing anti-migrant tensions and protests in South Africa, where some groups have demanded tougher action against undocumented migrants.
Southern African leaders have now backed South Africa’s call for coordinated regional discussions on migration, arguing that the issue cannot be effectively managed by one country alone.
The debate comes at a sensitive time.
South Africa has experienced protests and incidents of hostility towards foreign nationals. Some demonstrators have accused migrants of contributing to unemployment, crime and pressure on public services.
Human rights organisations and regional analysts, however, have warned against blaming migrants for wider economic and social problems.
The situation has raised concerns about xenophobia and the safety of African migrants living outside their countries of origin.
South Africa calls for regional cooperation
South Africa’s position is that migration should be discussed more seriously at regional and continental level.
Migration across Southern Africa involves people moving for different reasons.
Some travel in search of jobs or business opportunities. Others move to join family members or escape conflict and instability.
There are also refugees and asylum seekers who cannot safely return to their home countries.
Because these movements involve several countries, South Africa has argued that regional cooperation is necessary.
Leaders attending the Southern African Development Community summit backed the call for greater dialogue and a coordinated approach.
The goal is to improve cooperation on issues including border management, documentation and the movement of people across the region.
Anti-migrant protests increase pressure
The push for regional talks comes after weeks of growing tension in South Africa.
Anti-migrant groups have organised protests demanding that foreign nationals living in the country illegally be removed.
One protest group planned a demonstration during the regional summit, demanding that leaders take responsibility for their citizens living outside their home countries. Reports said protesters called on leaders to “fetch their people”.
These protests have created concern among migrant communities.
Foreign nationals may fear harassment, discrimination or violence when anti-migrant sentiment becomes stronger.
The problem has also affected relations between South Africa and other African countries.
The migration issue is particularly sensitive because many countries in the region have citizens living and working in South Africa.
Nigerians among those affected
Nigeria has recently evacuated additional citizens from South Africa amid renewed anti-immigrant tensions.
The Federal Government announced that 83 more Nigerians were being evacuated, highlighting the impact that the situation is having on African communities living in South Africa.
For migrants, returning home may not always be an easy decision.
Some have lived abroad for years and built businesses or careers. Others send money to relatives in their home countries.
However, growing insecurity or hostility can make people reconsider their future.
The situation shows how migration policies can affect not only governments but also individual families across Africa.
Why migration is a regional issue
Southern Africa has a long history of cross-border movement.
People have travelled between countries for trade, work, education and family reasons for generations.
Modern borders and immigration laws have made movement more regulated, but economic differences between countries continue to encourage migration.
South Africa’s larger economy has made it a major destination for people seeking employment.
At the same time, high unemployment within South Africa has created frustration among many citizens.
Some political groups and protesters argue that migrants compete with South Africans for jobs and public services.
Others argue that this explanation ignores deeper problems, including slow economic growth, inequality and failures in service delivery.
This disagreement is at the centre of the current debate.
Xenophobia remains a major concern
Analysts have warned that migration debates can become dangerous when politicians or community leaders encourage people to blame foreigners for wider problems.
South Africa has experienced previous outbreaks of xenophobic violence.
Foreign-owned businesses have been attacked, while migrants from other African countries have faced threats and violence.
Recent protests and vigilantism have again placed regional solidarity under pressure. The Institute for Security Studies warned ahead of the 2026 SADC summit that anti-migrant protests, vigilantism and mass repatriations had strained relations in the region.
Leaders will therefore need to find a way to address legitimate concerns about undocumented migration without encouraging discrimination.
The need for practical solutions
Regional discussions could focus on improving cooperation between governments.
Possible areas include stronger border systems, easier access to legal documentation, information sharing and action against human trafficking.
Governments may also need to address the economic reasons that encourage people to leave their home countries.
Creating more jobs and opportunities across the region could reduce the pressure that drives some people to migrate.
At the same time, leaders will need to protect the rights and dignity of migrants and refugees.
Migration is unlikely to disappear.
The challenge is how governments manage it.
What happens next?
The backing for regional talks means migration is now firmly on the Southern African political agenda.
Leaders will need to decide what practical action should follow the discussions.
South Africa wants greater cooperation, while other countries will also want their citizens treated fairly.
The issue could become an important test of regional unity.
If governments work together, they may be able to create a more coordinated system for managing migration.
If tensions continue to grow, however, migrant communities could face greater uncertainty.
For now, Southern Africa’s leaders have recognised that migration is a challenge that crosses national borders and requires a regional response.
The coming months will show whether that recognition leads to meaningful action.
